“After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them. Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis; And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.” – Acts 16:7-12 KJV

Did you ever set out to do something that you believed was God’s will, but later discovered that He wanted you to do something else instead? That was certainly the case with Paul and his companions. They tried to go into Bithynia but were not permitted by the Spirit to do so, because the Lord wanted them to go to Macedonia instead. Of course, being that Paul was a man of faith he did not object to God’s plans, but immediately changed his course and set out to go to Macedonia, as that is where God wanted him to preach the gospel. Thus, Paul eventually made his way to Philippi.

I appreciate how the Bible informs us that they ‘immediately’ left for Macedonia at the prompting of the Spirit. To have such faith as to follow God without question is certainly commendable. For while it is true that they had good intentions and were on a mission to do the work of God in a place where they had felt their presence was most needed, it is also true that they were on a mission to follow God’s instructions. Therefore they were not about to allow their feelings to hinder them from seeking to fulfill God’s will, but were only interesting in doing that which was pleasing to Him. Hence they were open to making changes, but only where God wanted to change things.

I would dare say that most of us don’t live like that. Not all of the time anyway. For all too often we want to know the details before going anywhere, thus leaving no room for faith. But it would do us well to learn to exemplify the example of Paul and his companions by following God without hesitation. It isn’t wise to assume that just because we’re doing something for God that it means we are where He wants us to be.

Of course, God can use us anywhere. But shouldn’t we want to be where we can be most effective in working for Him? How else could we do that unless we allow Him to order our steps? In other words, we need to be willing to change our plans for God, no matter how passionate we might feel toward them. By going where God leads our efforts in serving Him will be fruitful, but if we lean on our own understanding we won’t produce the kind of fruit that is pleasing to Him.

Many desire to serve God, but few are willing to follow Him. Having good intentions isn’t enough; our service to God must agree with His plans for us. We should never assume to know God’s will without first asking Him to reveal it to us. And we must always exercise patience in waiting for Him to speak to us in this way. Indeed, there’s no better place to be than in God’s will, and no better work to perform than that which is ordered by Him.