Discovering God's Will for Your Life - Acts 16

Have you ever been uncertain of God’s will for your life?  I know most of us have had trouble determining which college to go to, what job to take, where to live and what we will do with our lives.  We look at all of our options and wonder what God desires for us.   

Paul, Silas and Timothy were on their way to Asia to share the gospel.  Luke tells us that Paul was forbidden from entering Asia resulting in their first closed door.  They then attempted to enter Bithynia which was located in north of what is now known as Turkey; however, once again that door was closed to them. 

While they were trying to figure out what to do next, Paul then had a vision,

“And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”

The vision was very important in the life of Paul and very important in the life of Europe.  This was the turning point for Europe which later would become known as the Christian Roman Empire.  If Paul had gone East or North, things may have turned out a lot differently for the Roman Empire which was located to the West.

After the vision gave them an open door to the West, one of the first things to happen was for Lydia to come to Christ.  While this may seem small to us, it was of huge significance to Paul, Silas and Timothy who needed a place to stay.  The door was opened for them to stay with Lydia while they preached the gospel in Philippi.  Since Paul was welcomed by Lydia, we know that the city of Philippi became a vibrant church.  Paul later wrote a letter to the Philippians which is perhaps the most positive and encouraging books in the Bible for believers.  We have Lydia to thank for this church who was used by God to give the apostle Paul a home.

Luke then tells us that Paul had to deal with a demon possessed girl who was following them around saying; these men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.”  While this at first may seem like a good thing, Paul saw that the girl was in bondage to a demon and this annoyed him so he set her free from this bondage in the name of Jesus.  After the demon was cast out, she was freed from the spirit that held her in bondage.  Her owners who were angered by their change in fortune had no more use for her and started stir up the city against Paul and his ministry.

The authorities then threw Paul and his fellow workers into jail.  While Paul, Silas and Timothy were worshiping the Lord in song Luke tells us,

Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.

The point is that when we are uncertain about our direction in life we need to have faith.  We should walk through the door that is open to us knowing that God walks through that door with us.  Paul was stopped from going East or North; however, he went through the door to the West and God blessed his ministry which later resulted in the Christian Roman Empire.  Paul was given a place to stay, freed people from the bondage of sin and saw the power of God at work when he was released from the jail.  God was with Paul as he walked through the open door even though Paul had no idea what was about to take place.  Have faith.