God Speaks When You Need to Hear
The number one question most pastors get asked is “How will I know God has spoken?” There are times when we need immediate answers and a quick response from God. Other times His answers may simmer before being delivered. It’s comforting to know that God will give us answers when we need to hear from Him.
In Acts 16 we see Paul starting out on his second missionary trip. He left with a few trusted companions, two of whom we know are Silas and Luke. Things are going as planned—as a matter of fact, better than planned! Churches are growing and being strengthened. Suddenly, in Acts 16: 4-8 we see God abruptly change their plans. They are forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia and are rerouted to new areas. Then, the Spirit of Jesus warns Paul and doesn’t permit them to go into the regions they thought they were headed to.
What happened?
God directly intervenes in leading them where He wants them to go, but are these two different types of experiences with the Holy Spirit and the Spirit of Jesus? We know the Holy Spirit’s roles as described by Jesus in the Gospel of John. He’s a counselor, guide, helper—and certainly directs them in ways we can perceive. But the Spirit of Jesus may have been another appearance by Jesus to Paul. An appearance that was serious and real—alerting him to the change of plans in a way they needed to hear.
Key #1: When we’re mature in faith, God will often lead us in a direction we don’t understand or resist. If we’re open to hear, He will guide.
Because Paul was mature in his faith, he was able to shift his plans to align with the Lord’s. He heard from Him when he clearly needed direction…and so will you. Further in Acts 16 we see why this redirect mattered. Paul and his team would bring the gospel to Macedonia (Europe) for the first time and spread the word to a new region.
Key #2: The reason we’re on that unfamiliar path is for His glory and promotion, not our own.
In verses 22-26 we see the finale of this missionary trip leading to the imprisonment of Paul and Silas. As they surrendered their fear and uncertainty after being beaten and thrown into a dark prison, their praise and worship broke the chains and shook that place. The entire region witnessed a miracle!
Key #3: When we surrender to praise over fear, chains fall and the gospel spreads.
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