Responding to Holy Direction

Acts 16:10 Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the Gospel to them. (NKJV)

I typically begin with the book of Acts chapter sixteen when I teach the book of Philippians. One simply cannot ignore the clarity of the Holy Spirit as Paul is directed through a vision to arise and go to Macedonia. Upon which, he arose immediately and accompanied by his entourage left for Macedonia to accomplish that which God had directed him to do.

On this second missionary journey, Paul and Silas were revisiting the churches they had planted along the first missionary journey as well as delivering the decisions that were made at the Jerusalem counsel. The journey appeared to be going well, even with unexpected troubles from citizens of the cities along the way. Controversy was not unexpected. It seemed to be a part of taking the Gospel into new regions at that time. The same is true, even today.

As Paul and Silas continued their journey, they encountered Timothy, a young convert, as they travelled through Derbe then Lystra. Paul and Silas had heard about Timothy and were interested in bringing him into their team, which they did. As they progressed, Paul sensed the desire to go into Asia through Mysia and into Bithynia breaking into new regions with the Gospel. For the first time, Paul experienced the silence of the Holy Spirit. He had heavily depended upon the filling of the Holy Spirt in times like this but at this time the Holy Spirit was silent. Paul was not used to this. Luke had recently joined them in Troas as Paul continued to seek direction. It must have been bewildering for these men of God to watch Paul deal with this sense of spiritual silence. But God was at work. Paul and his team of missionaries were put on hold. Then one night, as Paul was sleeping, he had a vision. It was a man stating, “Come over to Macedonia to help us.” Paul got the team up immediately in the middle of the night and headed toward the Macedonia region. He didn’t wait until daybreak. They arose immediately and departed for Macedonia. Now this was the Paul that the other team members were familiar with. The Gospel was heading into Europe.

When you sense God moving through the Holy Spirit, what do you do? You call out to God in prayer for direction usually followed with, God, are You sure? Of course, He is sure. Now you need directions. You need to prepare. You need to search the Scriptures and spend time meditating on what He says through His Word. Your connection with God through the Holy Spirit is the most powerful component in the decisions you make when He has called you to do something great. Yes, everything God will ever call you to will ALWAYS be GREAT! In Acts God pulled the team together and added Timothy, then later Luke, and then the next mission was launched!

Where do you stand in the direction God has called you to go? Go to the Scriptures and seek Him there. I know others who have moved forward in what they thought God had called them to do and ended up confused because they listened to the counsel of others and not the Scriptures. That usually starts with, “That sounds like a good idea.” And ends with regret and trying to get back on course wondering where we made the wrong turn. Stay in the Word. If the direction others give do not line up with the Scriptures, you need to do a course correction and get back on track. Remember, God is building His team, not your team. Look what He did with Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke.

Key Point: Henry Blackaby in “Experiencing God” stated, “Look for where God is working, and go there.” I strongly advise the same.

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, guide me as I seek Your next step for me in the direction You have called me to serve. Make the path clear to see as I seek Your will, and Your way, through Your Word. In Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN!!!

Have a BLESSED Day!!!

In Christ,

Pastor Ted Wilkins

© 2026 Ted Wilkins