Imagine

Verse: Acts 16:6-10
And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. 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.” 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.

Devotion:
Wow. I wonder what ran through your mind the first time you read those verses. Read it again, think about it for a minute. The thing that stands out to me right away is the incredible faith and trust Timothy and Paul had. They were so in tune to the Holy Spirit to discern His guidance and voice. They made plans, but were still enough to hear His voice when told to do something different. And they did, without complaining about their plans being changed.

Paul heard God’s voiced guiding him and it says he immediately listened. He didn’t delay, he didn’t ask for another sign, he didn’t ask for guidance from someone else. He was just still enough to hear God’s voice when He spoke. Wow. Can you imagine being Timothy and Paul in this situation? Can you imagine going about your day, having your travel plans, being en route, then hearing a small nudge from the Holy Spirit and deciding to abandon your plans and wait to hear His direction? I certainly can’t imagine that.

One, imagine having quiet, peace, and stillness to hear the Lord’s voice this clearly? Two, imagine not wrestling with the Lord and instead being immediately obedient. Three, imagine abandoning your plans, then just waiting to hear God’s next direction. Lastly, imagine just saying, “send me,” and going immediately when you hear His voice. I’m so blown away by every single step of this. I think we need to slow down, and really pray hard on this one today.

Prayer:
Lord, please quiet my mind in this moment. Bring me stillness to hear your voice. Holy Spirit, guide me the way that you moved Timothy and Paul. Jesus, send me. Use me. Let me hear your voice and be moved to obedience. Please rid me of my own agenda and remind my heart of the Kingdom’s agenda instead. Help me to keep a kingdom perspective instead of a worldly perspective. Lord, I’m going to sit quietly this morning for a couple of minutes to be still with you and to listen to Your voice. Please guide my heart to align with Yours. Thank you Lord for the opportunity to just be with You this morning. Holy Spirit, remind me to take moments to be still with you, to quiet the noise, and to be obedient to your voice. Amen

Author: Becca Artymenko