What Paul said.

Acts 27:9-12, Since much time had passed, and the voyage was now dangerous because even the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, saying, “Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.” But the centurion paid more attention to the pilot and to the owner of the ship than to what Paul said. And because the harbor was not suitable to spend the winter in, the majority decided to put out to sea from there, on the chance that somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, facing both southwest and northwest, and spend the winter there.

We see the advice of Paul, the preacher against that of the professionals and the majority. The professionals are perhaps too focused on the profit they are to gain by a successful voyage, and fail to take into account the risk of the seasons. The majority decides on the basis of the current surroundings not being to their liking. How easy it is to dismiss our spiritual leaders by our professional opinions, or by our own discomfort and miss what the Lord wants for us! Are we willing to listen to our spiritual leaders despite the circumstances?

Give us the discernment to follow those who are led by Your Spirit, O Lord!

ESV Lectionary