Same Calling - Different Venue

Good Morning!

Acts 16:6-10 (English Standard Version)
The Macedonian Call
6And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. 7And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. 8So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. 9And 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." 10And when Paul[a] had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
Footnotes:
a. Acts 16:10 Greek he

The other Sunday night, Pastor Jeff asked how Paul knew that he and his entourage wasn’t supposed to go to Asia or Bithynia. Just for reference, these Roman provinces are both located in the region of the world we now know as Turkey. But Jeff’s question was “how did they know?” And his is a legitimate question … one that I can only answer with “you know when you know”. Discerning God’s plan for one’s life isn’t always as clear cut as one might think. There are so many ministries that need people to work … and sometimes we get caught up doing stuff God never intended for us to do just because there is no one else to do it.

Many years ago I came to understand that the Spiritual gifts God had made prominent in my life were that of teaching and administrations. And these have been affirmed by many various people over the years as I have had the privilege and responsibility to teach and serve at various venues. I trust you understand that when I say that I have these gifts, they truly are supernatural because my base personality would not allow me to do either. And that is what is neat about a calling … God uses people in different ways to accomplish His purpose.

Paul had been successful in his first missionary journey in spreading the Gospel to many of the cities in Asia Minor. It is little wonder that he wanted to continue heading southwest to the province called Asia in Roman times. But somehow Paul understood that God didn’t want him going in that direction. He just knew … it’s that simple. So Paul began thinking about heading northeast into Bithynia … but again, the Spirit stopped him. He just knew – that’s all. Paul’s relationship with God was such that he had developed the ability to sense when the time was right to do what God wanted him to do. And that’s okay.

Sometimes today we get real comfortable where we are … and in process become ineffective. Breaking new ground isn’t easy. Developing new relationships can be scary. But when God moves us to a new venue, He does so in order that He may be glorified and that we might see His glory.

Recently our Sunday morning Bible group decided to move our study to a Thursday night only study. It was and remains a difficult transition for me and for most of the members of the group. We have grown to love each other deeply over the span of the last seven or so years. But our mission seemed to have come to somewhat of a standstill … and we felt the draw of the Spirit leading us into new areas of service.

While there is a sense of melancholy, as bond servants, we recognize our first loyalty is to Jesus Christ. A bond servant doesn’t tell his Master what he is going to do and when he is going to do it. No … he listens for his Master’s voice and responds accordingly. Our Master is a good Master, though, in that He does not sever the relationships we have. No … He allows us to build on those relationships. The loved ones I have now include new loved ones … and the loved ones from the past.

In the last several years, I have visited the funeral home several times to honor people I have known in my venues of service from the past. Oft times it seems as if these occasions are more of a family homecoming rather than a funeral. We see our loved ones from the past … and embrace with a joy that cannot really be described.

Yes, we have callings … and sometimes our callings lead to different venues. And in all things we give thanks to our God for His love and mercy.

Agape’


Mr. Jim