Have I Complied?

The sailors couldn’t turn the ship into the wind, so they gave up and let it run before the gale. [Acts27.15]

There was, in fact, a point where this situation could have been avoided.  The opportunity to make a different decision in Fair Havens came and went, and the decision made was not the right decision.  At Fair Havens it came down to a choice between two lesser-desirable outcomes: stay in an exposed harbor that would require additional work to secure the ship through the winter; or risk known potential northeaster storms (that would most certainly sink the ship resulting in loss of life) to arrive at a more comfortable harbor that required less work to combat the winter conditions.  However, nothing could change the course of events set in motion once that decision to leave Fair Havens was made and other circumstances (the weather) kicked in.  

As I write this, I have been involved in pretty big decisions in my own life.  Ironically, these decisions have everything to do with direction and my course in life - much like Paul and his guardians on the fateful journey described in today's OYCB reading.  I guess the worrisome thing for me is to think possibly I could get to the point in my decision-making that I am totally at the mercy of the elements as were Paul and his companions.

I think any sensible person would want to do what is ultimately right for himself - whether he believed in God or simply believed in some cosmic fate.  Regardless, more people than not wish to do right by their path in life.  I am no different - however I do believe God has a perfect plan and I do believe I have choices to make to stay within the realm of compliance to that plan.

But have I complied?

Do the current struggles I face indicate more severe trouble(s) ahead?

Are others' fates entwined with my own?

Have I gotten to the point that I resign (like the sailors on the ship above) to the unknown but certain doom that is impending?

Gee, what a start to today!

Father, I want to be in the center of Your will!  I really do!  I would never believe that every decision I make is right, but I want to try to make right decisions.  I certainly don't want to just give up and let happen whatever will happen.  Help me to make sense of it all.