The Immediate Obedience of Paul

Acts 16:9&10 – 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.

There is much to be learned in this chapter but we will focus solely on these two verses. Paul was visited in a dream. It is understood that this was an angel and theologians believe that either by the man’s habits or dialect or because he said so, Paul believed he was a man from Macedonia. Even that is not today’s focus.

Today’s focus is on Paul’s trust and immediate obedience. Not a trust and obedience to Macedonian apparitions but of his God. Paul, and those with him, concluded that God had called them to preach the gospel to the Macedonians and they, without hesitation, got on the road.

Am I the only one who has hesitated, wondering if I was really hearing from God? Wondering if I heard right? Wondering if now was the time? Maybe trying to understand the logic behind the call? Examples like this, of an unwavering and bold faith, are great for us to see. We’ve read in the scriptures of those who have questioned God or straight-out disobeyed, but Paul serves as an example of what the scriptures encourage.

Prov 3:5&6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Psalm 119:165  - Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.

Romans 12:11 - Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.

We have the Holy Spirit living inside of us, directing us, helping us, revealing the truth to us. We have this advantage and can move forward as we “feel” led. We cannot allow ourselves to be stuck in fear, but we must trust and obey God. Listen and move. We immerse ourselves in the Word in order to help understand the nature of God and to learn His law. We allow ourselves to be led by the indwelling Holy Spirit, we remain open to hear His direction, and we follow God’s call on our lives. Because the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7)

May we eagerly seek the Lord, His will, and His ways, and then follow His call.