S. Acts 16: 9-10 During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
O. “Life was like a box of chocolates. You, never know what your gonna get.” This is one of the most memorable quotes from the classic movie Forrest Gump. I had never thought about life like that before, but how true it is: Life is loaded with surprises, some delightful and some downright horrible! In today’s passage, Paul’s faith was put to the test, but he cherished the good, endured the bad, and never wavered in his devotion to God.
a) Surprises (1-10) In Paul’s first stop, Derbe and Lystra, he was so impressed with Timothy that Paul asked him to join their missionary team. Together they enjoyed great success in their work of strengthening and growing churches. Then Paul sought to go to Asia and Bithynia. Yet, he was forbidden by the Holy Spirit to go there. God made Paul’s direction clear. In a vision, Paul was invited to the region of Macedonia, and he did not hesitate to answer the call.
b) Delightful (11-15) Paul and his missionary team (now including Luke) sailed to Philippi, the leading city of Macedonia. There, Lydia, a rich businesswoman, opened her heart and accepted Jesus as her saviour. Immediately, Lydia extended her hospitality to the missionary team to stay at her house. God not only opened hearts to the gospel message but provided them with their practical needs.
c) Horrible (16-21) While Paul and his team were engaging in their missionary work, a demon-possessed slave girl followed them and gave a demonic testimony to their message. Paul was so annoyed that he casted the demon out from her. Her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and put them to jail. Their work came to an abrupt halt.
A. The life of Paul was certainly like a box of chocolate. He opened himself to the Spirit’s guidance and lived a colourful and fruitful life. Today, we must learn from this example and embrace what God has in store for us with total trust and always keep ourselves open. The rewards received will be multiplied in our lives bringing about many blessings as we are obedient to the King.
P. Lord, thank you for Your leading each day. May we be sensitive and submissive to Your still small voice each day. Help us to endure the hardship with Your strength and enjoy all the blessings that come our way today.


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