Acts 16:9-15
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. From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day we went on to Neapolis. From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days. On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us. Acts 16:9-15 (NIV)
Often, when I am assigned a passage, I Google and see what other people think the message is. Today, I have read through the words many times and I am going on my own feelings. I imagine times people have asked for or shown that they need my help. Am I willing to recognize and acknowledge that it is God asking me to do something that needs doing? Certainly I have never made an extended trip, putting out to sea and following what was asked of me.
I have helped out from time to time, but was I ever humble enough to give God the glory? The good things I have done in my life are most definitely the result of Him working through me. I can see that now, looking back and realizing that I could not have accomplished things without His prompting and support. I wish I could recognize it from the beginning and always go forward with an understanding that I am only a vessel, that all good comes from Him, whether through me or through someone else. A new goal to work towards in life.
The other thing that sparks my interest in this passage is that "we expected to find a place of prayer." Certainly when I expect one thing and find another, it is sometimes difficult to head forward with a bright and loving outlook, but what wonderful things can come from turning an unexpected circumstance into a thing of beauty. So much to work on and experience!
Question for Reflection:
- Can I find a way to follow His subtle suggestions and make something wonderful out of an unusual situation?
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank you for being there whenever I need You, and especially in the times I don't even realize You are there with me. Give me the strength and forethought to understand that it all comes from You and I am forever Your servant. Amen
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