Following God’s Direction When Plans Change

 “A vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing and appealing to him, and saying, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’ When he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.” (NASB)

Acts 16:9–10

Dear Friends,

I clearly remember one dark summer night in the mid-1970s when my mom, dad, brother, and I were attending a family camp in the Endless Mountains of Pennsylvania. That particular year, my aunt, uncle, and cousins had also joined us for the week.

Each night when the sun set, the parents would settle their kids down in their cabins and tents and then gather together to enjoy some adult fellowship. Roaming babysitters would canvass the campground, making sure the sleeping children remained happy and safe.

This particular night, I snuggled into my sleeping bag, tucked away in the tent we shared with my older cousins. As I lay quietly listening to all the country night sounds, I heard something unfamiliar. Focusing even more intently, I discerned what sounded like a faint whimper.

I roused my cousins and told them what I heard. They unzipped the tent to investigate and discovered a tiny girl standing at the top of the hill, sobbing, her white nightgown blowing in the breeze. I followed along as the older girls quickly rescued the child and took her back into her cabin, where we tucked her back into bed and comforted her until her parents returned.

I have never been able to forget the image of that crying child standing alone on the hillside, and the thought that God caused me to hear what others hadn’t for her protection, rescue, and comfort.

It makes me wonder how many opportunities we miss because we never stop to listen.

Listening for God’s Direction

Listening plays a huge part in effectively serving God. To bear fruit in our Christian service, we must be attentive to God’s direction and confidently obey, even when we don’t understand. This may sound easy, but in a world filled with busyness and loud voices, it is often difficult to discern His leading.

Paul knew the importance of following God’s direction as he and his companions continued on their missionary journey.

Acts 16 tells us that these men traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia because the Holy Spirit kept them from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, a region in modern-day Turkey, but the Spirit of Jesus wouldn’t allow them to enter.

They likely didn’t know why they encountered these closed doors, but they changed direction, passing by Mysia and going down to Troas.

While there, God gave Paul a vision. He saw a Macedonian man standing and begging him to come to Macedonia and help them. After seeing the vision, Paul and his companions prepared to leave at once, concluding that God had called them to preach the gospel to the Macedonian people.

Following God’s Direction When Plans Change

As followers of Jesus, we are also called to share the gospel with those around us. There are many who need to hear of God’s saving grace. In our enthusiasm, we make plans for how we can best reach the world, but sometimes God interrupts our plans and moves us in a different direction, just as He did with Paul.

Despite these unexpected setbacks, Paul continued on, following God’s direction. We also must remain faithful and obedient when God takes us somewhere we didn’t anticipate. Paul’s obedience demonstrated his trust in God’s direction. We can trust Him too, knowing that God’s wisdom far exceeds our own.

The prophet Isaiah tells us: 

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Where is God leading you today? Listen for Him. Follow Him. Trust Him, even if He changes your plans.

Perhaps there is a child crying in the dark or a man or woman calling out for help. You may be the one God sends to share the gospel and meet their needs.

Love,

Mama

Have you ever experienced an unexpected change of plans that God used for good? I’d love to hear your story. Share it in the comments, or pass this article along to someone who needs encouragement to keep following Him.

This reflection is part of my Walking Through the Book of Acts devotional series, where we explore the early church, the work of the Holy Spirit, and what it means to follow God with courage and faith.