Listen to His promptings

After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them. — Acts 16:7

On Friday, my day of rest as a pastor, the Holy Spirit prompted me to call a young single mother in our faith community to see if her car had been repaired. I had some reservations about making the call, but I obeyed.

Little did I know that my obedience would help save her life. She said later: “Friday at work I was planning on taking my life, but in a time of need, I believe God was there for me. He had Pastor Williams call me, and just by listening to his voice, let me know that God loved me.”

The apostle Paul must have had reservations when the Holy spirit prompted him and his team not to go into the province of Asia and Bithynia. Instead, they felt the Spirit’s call to go into Macedonia to preach the good news. In each situation, they obeyed the Spirit’s promptings. As a result, Paul and his team were instrumental in giving birth to a new faith community in Philippi (Acts 16:11-15).

As believers in Christ who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:22), our desire should be to please Him. May we not grieve the Holy Spirit (Eph. 4:30) by ignoring His gentle promptings. When we obey Him, we might be used by God to lead someone to Christ, to disciple new believers — or even to help save somebody’s life. — Marvin Williams

Holy Spirit, we would hear

Your inner promptings, soft and clear;

And help us know Your still, small voice

So we may make God’s will our choice. — D. De Haan

READ: Acts 16:6-10

Make the right choice:

Obey the Spirit’s voice.

The Bible in one year:

• Luke 19-24

• Proverbs 29:1-7