Change in Direction
Scripture Reading — Acts 16:1-10
What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.
I have changed careers three times. While teaching school in Hong Kong, I felt called to be more equipped to serve the Lord, so I left my position to attend seminary in the United States. Little did I know that the Lord would prepare a pastoral vacancy back home for me by the time I graduated. Even further from my mind was that I would return to the States later to serve God in media ministry.
Summer is a good time for relocation and job changes. The weather is nice, and children are out of school for a few months. But how do we know if the change we are making is the right move? Or at the right time? Or in line with the will of God? In our reading from Acts today, Paul and his companions used their God-given wisdom and knowledge to plan a route for spreading the good news of salvation in Christ. Their work was all for God’s glory, but twice the Spirit prevented them. Then a door opened for them to go to Macedonia.
With this personal experience, Paul could say, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
Gracious God, help us to seek your direction in all our decision making, and may we use faithfully all the resources and opportunities you give us. Through Christ, Amen.
About the author — Jimmy Tai-On Lin
Rev. Jimmy Lin is the Chinese ministry leader of The Back to God Hour. With his staff in Palos Heights and Hong Kong, Rev. Lin has ministered to over 1.3 billion Chinese-speaking people around the world for 16 years through radio, literature, CD/DVD, Internet, and text message. His wife, Doris, is one of the translators of Today into the Chinese language, which now has a circulation of more than 45,000 copies.
Start your day with quick daily devotions.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!