My Paisley Chair

Recently I had the privilege, honor, amazing opportunity to be someone’s “plus 1”. Let me just say, I was invited to something I would never have had access to, and it was incredible! I didn’t have the contacts or connections to be included in that gathering. My knowledge base nor experience warranted this open door. Yet, a single relationship provided the opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime.

My daughter was the superstar that invited me. She had access! She also had knowledge, experience, contacts and connections. Ashley added me as her +1 on a trip to tour Google! I was like a kid in a candy store, wide-eyed with wonder at the creativity, art sculptures and expansive buildings.

At the same time, amongst the young intelligent movers and shakers, it was easy to have the sense of being the dinosaur in the room. Kind of a “which one of these is not like the others” moment for me. But really, I didn’t care … because I was the +1!

I LOVE being +1 !

All this came to mind while reading Acts 27.

Every story, all circumstances and situations begin with God. He is before all things and in all things. He alone has “all access”. If I can keep this in focus, the perspective of everything changes. Take a look at this account in Paul’s life with this in mind.

The characters in the story were sailors, soldiers and prisoners. And then there was Paul… God’s +1. Odd man out, not like the others. Yet Paul was the central character around whom the story takes shape. 

Though treated somewhat like a prisoner, he was pronounced innocent. Yet, because of his appeal to Caesar, he was on the ship making the trip to Rome under the protection of the Roman guard. Not exactly a guest, but not like the other prisoners either. Paul was not a sailor, soldier, or prisoner.

The chain of command went something like this: The captain was in charge of the ship and sailors. The centurion commanded the soldiers, yet was subject to the captain. The soldiers ruled over the prisoners, under the command of the centurion and directed by the leadership of the captain.

And then there was Paul … under the authority, leadership, direction, and protection of God.

God chose Paul to be His +1

God orchestrated the events of Paul’s life and the circumstances that allowed Paul to spread the gospel message to Rome. It was by God’s design that Paul appealed to Caesar, was proven innocent, and provided transport under Rome’s protection. All these events were woven together, divinely orchestrated and miraculously timed because Paul was God’s +1. Paul had access to the miraculous because of his +1 status.

The Centurion’s +1 was Paul

Paul was assigned to the centurion’s care and protection. Because of the centurion’s position and authority Paul had access, protection, and privilege the other passengers didn’t have. The centurion recognized something different about Paul and decided to stay close to him. God’s instructions thru Paul proved to be the salvation of all of those under the care of the centurion. The sailors, soldiers and prisoners were miraculously saved because Paul was the centurions +1.

Paul’s +1 was the Centurion

The centurion had access to divine protection because he was with Paul. Only by staying close to Paul did the centurion have access to the provision and promises of God. The centurion, and ALL that were under his command, had access to miracles because he was Paul’s +1.

Rabbit Trail:

Paul said, “I perceive…”. Sometimes there is an internal knowing previous to a divine directive. The story would have played out differently if they had listened to Paul at the beginning of adverse circumstances. Paul didn’t reprimand them with the standard “I told you so” (or as we say, “this foreseen outcome was previously discussed”) but rather “you should have listened to me”. But now, let me tell you… God said! (verse 23-24) Paul directed their attention to God.

I have to ask myself…how much easier would life in be if I listened to the quiet whispers of God rather than wait for God to stop me in my tracks? 

Back to the story…

The word of the Lord was ALL or NONE! Unless all had stayed with the ship, life would have been lost. (verses 31, 42 & 43) Proximity to Paul was the only way to stay safe.

Not just one but ALL passengers were saved because Paul was God’s +1. Being Paul’s +1 was what saved the lives of those under the authority of the centurion, the captain, and sailors. Paul had 276 plus ones!

Even after a safe landing, the passengers were extended hospitality because they were with Paul! Another story for another day.

So many +1s in this account. However, just in case you miss it, let me say that God is NEVER the +1. He will not be an add on, He must be first. We only have access by being His +1.

It has often been said that God can change the world with one person who is totally sold out to Him. History proves this time and again. It is not an issue of how much of Himself God will give to someone, because God doesn’t give Himself in measure or with limits. He gives all of Himself to us, all the time. The issue is do we give all of ourselves to Him?

Questions I ask myself:

• Where do I have access because I am God’s +1? Heavenly places, the Throne of God, influential people, creative ideas and talents, divine wisdom and knowledge, and the list goes on.
• Who is my +1 into these places where I’ve been granted access?
• Can I bring someone with me and at what cost?
• Who am I tagging along with as their +1?
• Does anyone want to be my +1 because of the miraculous adventure I’m on?

Prayer:

Father in Heaven,

I want to be one that You desire to bring along! Help me be ready for the adventure and aware of Your voice in the midst of circumstances. Let me never forget that You are before all, in all, and not a single detail of my life has escaped Your attention.

You orchestrate times and seasons, circumstances and situations to accomplish Your will. My desire is to be at the right place, at the right time, and aware of Your presence to partner with You in miraculous happenings.

I want to be Your +1 !

AMEN

What does the Bible say? (scriptures referenced)

Acts Chapter 27

Until next time…

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