GOD’S CALL AND GUIDANCE!

GOD’S CALL AND GUIDANCE!

Acts 16:6-14

6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,

7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.

8 And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.

9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.

10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavored to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

11 Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis;

12 And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.

13 And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.

14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.

          Most of us have never had a “burning bush” moment like Moses. Most of us never will. God’s call and guidance is much more subtle and uncertain. All the while we are doing His will, there is that nagging question as to whether we had rightly received God’s call. There are other questions too. Am I WHERE God wants me to be? Am I doing WHAT God wants me to do? Why do I seem so ineffective?

          For reasons known only to God, He led Paul west into Europe instead of East into Asia. All that Paul could tell us about this experience was that “the Spirit suffered them not.” There is an unseen wrestling between God’s Spirit and our plans. Sometimes God allows us to push ahead uninterrupted but there are other times when “things” just do not seem right. This was one of those times. There was no peace to go East so they did the only thing they could do. They waited!

          I don’t know why God speaks so often in our sleep. Paul had a vision which, I guess, is more intense than a dream. Perhaps it is clearer and more crisp than a dream. Paul sees a man of Macedonia and he stands pleading with Paul to “come over” and help them. George MacDonald said: “There is nothing that makes a man strong like a Call for help.”

          For those of us waiting for God’s call and guidance, there are a few things to consider. First, Paul was seeking God’s direction. Are you truly wanting to know God’s direction – even if it is the opposite direction as your plans have been? Second, are you willing to take the trip through Samothracia and Neapolis before you ever reach Philippi? God often leads through a wilderness before His followers are led into the promised land. Are you committed to the journey?

          Are you willing to be surprised – even challenged – by what you find upon arrival? Paul began his Macedonian ministry at a riverside. He found out where people went to pray and started there! He had to speak to women instead of directly dealing with the man of his vision. The man would have to wait while he spoke to a woman named Lydia.

          God leads us by the means we are willing to follow! If we will be motivated by plenty then He can use the abundance of blessings. Often He has to resort to taking things away from us – like Paul’s strong desire to go to Asia. In the darkness of night and with no clear direction at all, Paul received his call and guidance. Be patient, Lydia is waiting by the riverside.

Lord, it is not because you speak so softly but because we hear so poorly that we stumble at your call and guidance. Let us hear you clearly today. AMEN