Paul’s Map

Scripture: 9 That night Paul had a vision: A man from Macedonia in northern Greece was standing there, pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” 10 So we decided to leave for Macedonia at once, having concluded that God was calling us to preach the Good News there. (Acts 16:9-10 NLT)

9 That night Paul had a dream: A Macedonian stood on the far shore and called across the sea, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” 10 The dream gave Paul his map. We went to work at once getting things ready to cross over to Macedonia. All the pieces had come together. We knew now for sure that God had called us to preach the good news to the Europeans. (Acts 16:9-10 The Message)

I like the way The Message says that through a dream God gave Paul a map; something that confirmed the way he was supposed to go; the places he was to go to share the Gospel. They were to cross over and go to Europe. I believe that God has a life plan/map for all of us. Sometimes it is very clear what the next stop or spot on the map is. At other times, it is not clear, and we have to take a small step of faith to bring it more into focus. What is true is that God wants to lead and guide us. He will use dreams, He will use ideas and thoughts that we have, He will use people, and He will certainly use the still small voice of Himself.

For surely you have a future ahead of you; your hope will not be disappointed. Proverbs 23:18 (NLT)

“So pray that the LORD your God will tell us where we should go and what we should do.” Jeremiah 42:3 (NCV)

Father, Jim and I are open to hear, and to see, as You guide us along the life map You have for the rest of our lives. You have been so faithful to do that for us, and we trust You to continue to do it for us. I love You, and trust You. AMEN

Yes, happy are those who fear the Lord and do all that He commands. They can confidently trust the Lord to care for them. Psalm 112

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