Only YOUR Assignment

I was reading the Lectionary today and came across some interesting verses- Acts 16: 6-9

"They went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. When they had come opposite Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them; so passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision: there stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, 'Come over to Macedonia and help up.'"

Paul and Silas were on a missionary journey. Their goal was to proclaim the gospel everywhere and to everyone. In the passage above, however, God's idea was for them to proclaim the gospel in certain places to certain people. After obeying the Holy Spirit, Paul receives a vision directing him to Macedonia. It is there God calls Paul.

What about Asia and Bithynia? The Great Commission calls for the preaching of the gospel to the entire world. From a strategic perspective Asia would seem a better move than Macedonia.
Though logic may argue that we should spend our energies expediently (the most bang for the buck - Asia vs. a tiny part of modern day Turkey), clearly God's plan is specific in terms of timing and who He chooses to send for a job.

It's with the best intentions that many of us want to barge ahead and do some good. We see a need and our desire is to rush in and work to move good things forward - or perhaps stop some evil. If we are aware of something that needs to be done, we reason, then it must be our job to do it. Well... maybe it is and maybe it isn't.

So... if you're facing a decision about where to go and what to do, it's probably a good idea to pause and listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit. If you're hearing a "no" that doesn't make sense to you (given the need), alter your course. God's strategy is sometimes counter intuitive, but His plans are perfect and His timing impeccable.