Acts 16.4-10 - Paul's second missionary journey ~ 4 As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. 5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily.6 And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. 7 And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. 8 So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas.9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”10 And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

In this passage, we see the missionaries (meaning 'sent out' ones)--Paul, Silas and young Timothy--delivering the news of the Jerusalem Council that "salvation is by faith alone"--circumcision is not necessary for salvation, though sensitivity to dietary restrictions in consideration of Jewish believers was recommended, as was abstaining from the sexual immorality so pervasive in the culture. Like on the first journey, it was Paul's aim to encourage the believers in various churches as the churches continued to grow. In verses 6 through 11, it is interesting to see how God showed the missions team which way to go, literally, and led them to establish a beachhead in Europe for the first time.

Along the way, Luke the physician, (and the writer of the book of Acts) joined the missionary team--probably near the city of Philippi. While the purpose of the journey was clear, the route was to be determined, so Paul listened for the Lord's leading. Leaving the regions of Phrygia and Galatia, both in current-day Turkey, the group intended on going in to Asia--but 'the Holy Spirit forbade them to'; so, they turned north to Bithinia; as they started to go into town, "the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them." And then Paul has a vision of next moves to be made--"come over to Macedonia and help us." And so they did.

To me, this is a particularly inspiring passage because we see how God concretely led Paul and his team to the exact place He had in mind for them to serve. As a follower of Jesus Christ, it means everything to me to sense God's leading--to know that my footsteps have been ordered by Him; and there is nothing like the assurance of then walking in them! So, exactly how does that happen? Well, it is not a science; the direction after all comes from the Holy Spirit; there are, however, several things that might enable us to better hear God's voice--things that you might want to know. . . The truth is--God does speak, and He has the creativity to use any number of 'mouthpieces' to get our attention.

So here are a few 'hot tips' for hearing from the Lord your God. First, know this-->God is a gentleman.

>He will not shout over your noise and busy-ness; it is wise to offer Him some quiet--just give Him a chance to get a word in!

Consider this: ...a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose,

but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake,

but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire,

but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. . . 1 Kings 19

>God speaks through His Word--and He refreshes it in our lives over and over. God's heartfelt words to you are in the Bible!

>God speaks through 'open' and 'closed' doors, and through other circumstances

>God speaks through other Christians, sometimes the teaching on Sunday

>God speaks through giving us His mind/His wisdom for a decision or direction to be taken

>God speaks through impressions of the Holy Spirit

and believe it or not, I think

>He speaks to us through pain in our bodies sometimes. For instance, I was agonizing over writing a letter to the 'powers that be'

at one of my son's schools at the close of this schoolyear. . . but each time I got close to doing so, I would get a nervous, sick feeling

in my stomach. I believe that was a 'sign' that it was a letter better left unwritten. . . and so it was. Isn't that interesting??

I really think that most of us forget that prayer is a two-sided conversation; after we tell God what is on our minds, let's give Him the opportunity to do the same. . . Ask Him for direction--in general, and if need be, in the specific. Then be quiet, dear ones--still your minds. . . who would have thought that a passage on Phrygia and Galatia would have proffered such inspiration? That is the richness of Scripture, though--you just have to look a little closer, and then you see such truths. Go ahead, look to God to lead you. . . and watch and listen for how He will do it!

Grace and peace to you,

Christine