Fan the Flame - a Journey Through ActsSýnishorn

Day 26 - Vision of the Man of Macedonia

As followers of Jesus we can sometimes find it difficult to know how much to plan our lives and how much to simply rely on the leading of the Holy Spirit for each moment. Amongst other things, today’s passage of scripture gives us insight into three different ways we can navigate life as Spirit-filled followers of Jesus (making prayerful plans, remaining open to change, and receiving messages from God).

It begins with a plan. In Acts 16:6-8, we see that Paul initially planned to go into Asia, and then planned to enter Bithynia, until finally settling in Troas for the night. It’s easy to get excited by the extraordinary in Acts (and in life), but note how it takes place in context of the ordinary, of obedience, of wisdom, and the body of Christ working together. See how Paul is initially led by the same general command we all have which is to go make disciples, but also his specific call and gifting as an apostle to the gentiles. Knowing this, Paul has prayed with his spiritual community,y and they have planned a travel strategy for his missionary journeys. Though perhaps it seems boring, God has obviously been a part of guiding this very ordinary process that placed Paul where he needed to be for the next step in the spread of the gospel to the world.

What we observe next in this passage is how loosely Paul holds these plans. Paul’s willingness to surrender his plans to the leading of the Holy Spirit is an excellent example to us. It seems strange, but God closes the door to preaching in Asia and then entering Bithynia. It can be difficult when we have a good idea, one we may even feel was a God idea, but God closes the door. A closed door in our life is an opportunity to trust God and surrender to His greater plan.

Lastly, God gives Paul a vision in the night, guiding him into Macedonia. God often uses visions and dreams to lead his people in Scripture. This vision marks a significant transition in the book of Acts and history itself. Up until now the ministry the apostles have done has been in the East, but here we see Paul being led to the West for the very first time. As we will see, Paul’s discerning of and obedience to this change in plans leads to great fruit.

As we meditate on today’s scripture reading, prayerfully consider how you are walking out God’s call on your life. Do you need some structure to guide you? Do you need to surrender your plans or desires to God’s greater plan? Let’s pray that we will be sensitive to His voice and attentive to His guidance.

Written by Jess Quak