Acts 16:6-10
“Paul and his companions traveled throughout the regions of Phrygia and Galatia because the Holy Spirit kept them from speaking the word in the province of Asia. When they approached the province of Mysia, they tried to enter the province of Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus wouldn’t let them. Passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas instead.
“A vision of a man from Macedonia came to Paul during the night. He stood urging Paul, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us!’ Immediately after he saw the vision, we prepared to leave for the province of Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to proclaim the Good news to them.”
Embracing the Adventure
Scott Carlson
When my children were younger and living at home, a common question that arose when I was driving was, “Dad, are we lost again?” It was back in the day long before navigation on my phone and I had to admit that much of the time, when the question was asked, I was lost again. It happened so easy.
Now, when I go down an unexpected path, in the car or in life, I find myself asking, “God what are you wanting to teach me on this adventure?” “How can I be open to what you need me to learn?” “How can I be open to those you are sending to me today?”
In this scripture from Acts, Paul had his heart set on visiting some places he was familiar with. But along the way, it became clear to him that God had other plans. He was prevented from going to where it was familiar. While he traveled, unable to do what he really wanted, he opened himself up to the prompting of the Spirit.
That is when he was invited to something new, a man from Macedonia urged Paul, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” When Paul responded, the Christian faith entered into a new continent, Europe.
Paul embraced a new adventure. Because he did that God’s Kingdom expanded.
As we are in this time when we are prevented from doing what has been familiar, may we be open to the new adventure God is calling us to participate in.
Prayer:
Loving God, you have called us. You are at work in this world. You are at work in us. Help us to embrace this adventure we are currently on, as difficult as it may be. Embrace us when we are struggling. Sustain us when we feel weak. Give us the courage we need to face this day. Place us right where you need us to be, so we can partner with you to bring life, wholeness and justice to all of creation. Amen