Daily Devotion from Terry at Across All Borders
May 18 - He Leads...As You Are
Going
Acts 16: 6-10 "Paul and his companions traveled throughout the
region of Phyrgia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from
preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of
Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow
them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night Paul
had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "Come over to
Macedonia and help us." After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to
leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to
them."
God speaks in many ways, so the manner in which you ended up a part of this
team could differ greatly from the ways the others found themselves on it with
you. Sometimes God directs you in dramatic ways. Other times it's a gentle
nudging in your heart. And sometimes you don't have sense that God is "speaking"
to you, but you have such a strong desire to go so you walk through the open
door.
One of the most dramatic ways God gave direction to a missionary in the
Bible is when he called Paul to Macedonia. After trying and being prevented to
enter other areas, Paul had a vision in the night and knew he had to go to
Macedonia.
Notice that Paul wasn't sitting at home when the direction came to him. He
was in the middle of obeying God's general command to "go into all the world,"
which is the Great Commission given to us all. Paul was so dedicated to that
mission that even without any specific direction from the Lord, he set out to go
into Asia. As he was going, God said, "No," but Paul didn't stop. He tried
Bithynia. The Lord said no again. Paul still did not stop, but kept going to
Troas. By this time, I'm sure Paul was doing some serious praying. I know
because without having the boldness of Paul, I have been in similar situations,
knowing that I had to "go", but not knowing exactly where and the door has been
closed to me a time or two. Then he received the dramatic vision and call and
was turned in the direction of Europe and the West. This was not his first
missionary endeavor, nor was it his last.
There is something important for you to know as a short term missionary.
You are responding to the will of God in your efforts to take the gospel to
other parts of the world. If you need a dramatic intervention to direct you as
you go, God knows who you are and can speak to you in a way that you will know
He's talking to you. But in the meantime, God is pleased with your faithful
obedience to his general commission spoken to all believers.
Be open to the possibility that, as you go on this mission, God may open
more doors for missions in the future. This may be a stepping stone to other
places and nations that still haven't crossed your mind. It may even be possible
that as your team pursues the current plan, God may adjust that in surprising
ways....as you go. So keep going!
Father, I join my heart to the words of your command. I hear your heart
that beats for the nations and respond with a desire to go. As I go, I know that
this is only one step on a lifelong journey of obedience and ask for your
direction every step and at every turn. Help me always hear. I lean upon you to
guide, direct, open doors and even close them if need be, so that I may fulfill
my part of the Great Commission.
With Gratitude,
Sondra
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