But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. (NIV) Psalms 33:11
Paul was blocked by God from moving further into the region of Phrygia and Galatia to preach the Word in the province of Asia. “So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. 9 During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 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 on to Neapolis. 12 From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days. (Acts 16:8-12)
God closed 1 door but opened up a new opportunity. Notice Paul’s immediate obedience to God’s call. He and his companions “got ready at once.” Can you imagine the anticipation and excitement as they realize that with the new vision that they are going to. . .
** New opportunities
** New territories
** New cultures
** New places of influence
** New people who had never heard the Gospel
Their obedience and excitement should be contagious for us today. God is still at work in our world. There are millions of people who do not have a relationship with Christ. Are you willing to take His Word into the “new territories” and “different cultures” where you live? How will you be used by God in new places of influence? When will you share the Gospel with new people who have never heard of God’s love for them?
