The apostle Paul continually sought the Lord. He was continually striving to 'test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2b) And yet numerous times we see Paul planning something, or attempting something that ends up not being God's will. Yet every time, Paul is faithful to following where the Lord would have him go whether it is in align with Paul's plans or not. What hope can all who call upon the name of Jesus Christ as Lord, Savior, and Treasure find in this!
For example: (Acts 16:6-10 ESV)
"And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. And when they had come up to 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.
And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them."
Another example: (2 Corinthians 1:15-24 ESV)
"Because I was sure of this, I wanted to come to you first, so that you might have a second experience of grace. I wanted to visit you on my way to Macedonia, and to come back to you from Macedonia and have you send me on my way to Judea. Was I vacillating when I wanted to do this? Do I make my plans according to the flesh, ready to say “Yes, yes” and “No, no” at the same time? As surely as God is faithful, our word to you has not been Yes and No. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we proclaimed among you, Silvanus and Timothy and I, was not Yes and No, but in him it is always Yes. For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.
But I call God to witness against me—it was to spare you that I refrained from coming again to Corinth. Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith."
I encourage everyone who thinks that God may be leading them somewhere to first set their hearts on diligently seeking God and then go do something. Don't let the fear of man keep you from trusting in God's sovereignty and guidance.
We can trust God when he promises in Proverbs 3:5-7:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
Be not wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord, and turn away from evil."
"Many are the plans in the heart of a man; but it's the Lord's purpose that prevails" (Proverbs 19:21)
So seek God, make plans, and then follow Jesus where ever he opens for you to go. If you get somewhere and things happen the way you thought, trust that God has you there to be a witness and to make disciples. If you get somewhere and things don't happen the way you thought, trust that God has you there to be a witness and to make disciples. If you never make it to where you attempt to go, but end up somewhere else, trust that God has you there to be a witness and to make disciples.
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