How do we hear from God?
When big choice are before us, we naturally want to know what God wants us to do. But how? Too often we are preoccupied with the desire to be in control and have perfect knowledge before making a decision. Faith does not operate like this. Learning to keep going in trust and obedience until God changes our path is difficult but deeply rewarding in our journey with the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul Silas and Timothy show us how, and encourage us to keep going.
Scripture
Acts 16:6-15 ESV And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. [7] And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. [8] So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. [9] 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.” [10] 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. [11] So, setting sail from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace, and the following day to Neapolis, [12] and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city some days. [13] And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. [14] One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. [15] And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us.
Through the Scripture
Sent off in prayer to trust and obey
Paul and Silas journey started with the Church praying for God’s will to be done through his servants as they travelled to strengthen existing churches and plant new ones. Despite some unpleasant disagreements with Barnabus over Mark, they continued on to do God’s work trusting in His grace. God’s will for all human beings is that we trust and obey Him, this they did from the start of their journey.
Acts 15:40-41 ESV but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. [41] And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
Proverbs 3:5-7 ESV Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. [6] In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. [7] Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.
Forbidden and not allowed to know
Two questions that immediately come to most of our minds as we read the next verses are, why did the Holy Spirit forbid them from preaching in Asia and Bithynia and how did He do so? We’re not given this information, but they urge to know it is an interesting revelation of human nature. We like to know why and how before we begin, otherwise we feel vulnerable and “out of control”. But is it necessary for us to know these things before we can do God’s will?
Acts 16:6-7 ESV And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. [7] And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them.
1 Samuel 25:32-33 ESV And David said to Abigail, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me! [33] Blessed be your discretion, and blessed be you, who have kept me this day from bloodguilt and from working salvation with my own hand!
Staying the course until God changes it.
Paul, Silas and Timothy were travelling west towards Europe. They were not allowed to deviate to the north or the south so they continue west until they came to the sea and could go no further. There Paul had a vision which he discerned came from God, directing them to preach the Gospel in Greece, the first ministry of the Gospel in Europe. The principle of staying the course until God changes it is a valuable lesson for us.
Acts 16:8-10 ESV So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. [9] 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.” [10] 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.
Psalms 119:1-8 ESV Aleph Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD! [2] Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, [3] who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways! [4] You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently. [5] Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! [6] Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments. [7] I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules. [8] I will keep your statutes; do not utterly forsake me!
Staying with the Philippians
The group now included Luke, the author, who now describes events including himself (us) in the narrative. How did they know where in Greece (Macedonia) to go? They kept going until they had the opportunity to do what they were sent to do, preach the Gospel of Jesus. There they decided to stay for a while, building relationship while preaching the Gospel - in other words building the Church.
Acts 16:11-12 ESV So, setting sail from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace, and the following day to Neapolis, [12] and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city some days.
Philippians 1:1-6 ESV Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: [2] Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. [3] I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, [4] always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, [5] because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. [6] And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Going to the place of prayer
When we arrive at a destination and decide to stay, what is the first thing we seek out? Surely accommodation, a safe and comfortable place to stay? This group chose to look for people to minister to. Even when there was no synagogue they kept with the principle of trying to reach the Jews first, and trying to preach to those who were already looking for God.
Acts 16:13 ESV And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together.
Ezra 8:21 ESV Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods.
The Lord opens Lydia’s heart
The Lord had been preparing someone for their arrival, Lydia. Perhaps this is why they weren’t allowed to deviate from their path, because God was guiding them to meet with Lydia at this precise time and place. She was not only in the right place at the right time to hear the Gospel but the Holy Spirit enabled her to respond and she was saved.
Acts 16:14 ESV One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.
Revelation 3:20 ESV Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
John 6:44 ESV No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.
Lydia immediately ministers to her household and the visitors
It wasn’t only Lydia who believed but people in her household too. The Holy Spirit had already begun reaching others through her and then so moved her heart as to extend hospitality to the group and care for their needs.
Acts 16:15 And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us.
1 Peter 4:8-10 ESV Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. [9] Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. [10] As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:
Matthew 10:34-36 ESV “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. [35] For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. [36] And a person's enemies will be those of his own household.
Daily Devotions
Monday - Trusting God’s ‘No’
Today's Verse: And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. (Acts 16:6)
Reflection Paul and his companions were on a mission, sent out by the church with prayer and fasting, to do the very thing God had commanded: preach the gospel. Yet, as they moved west, the Holy Spirit forbade them from speaking the word in Asia. This can be puzzling, especially when we are eager to do what we believe is a good and right thing for God. We often prefer to be told "go and do this" rather than "don't do that". This is because our human nature struggles with being told what not to do, and our pride can make it difficult to accept God's "no". However, God's prohibitions are a valid and important way He guides us. Just as God sent Abigail to stop David from acting in anger and incurring blood guilt, He sometimes closes doors to protect us from making wrong decisions. When we are already in His will by seeking to share the love of Jesus, a closed door is not a rejection but a redirection. It is an act of His love, guiding us away from a path that is not His best for that moment.
Additional Scripture
And David said to Abigail, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me! Blessed be your discretion, and blessed be you, who have kept me this day from bloodguilt and from working salvation with my own hand! (1 Samuel 25:32-33)
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. (Proverbs 3:5-7)
Life Application Reflect on a time when a door was closed in your life—a job you didn't get, a plan that fell through, or a relationship that ended. Instead of feeling angry, disappointed, or neglected, try to see it as God’s guidance. If you are actively seeking to live for Christ and share His love, trust that a closed door is not a sign of failure but His protection and redirection. Learn to say, "Thank You, Lord. That was the wrong door," and trust His sovereign plan.
Prayer points
Ask God for a heart that humbly accepts His "no" as much as His "yes".
Pray for the grace to trust that when God closes a door, He is protecting and redirecting you for His greater purpose.
Thank the Lord for the times He has stopped you from making a wrong decision, even when you didn't understand it at the time.
Tuesday - Stay the Course
Today's Verse: So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. (Acts 16:8)
Reflection After being prevented by the Spirit of Jesus from going north into Bithynia, Paul, Silas, and Timothy did not stop or turn back. They had a clear mission to preach the gospel, and even though specific avenues were closed, they did not become paralysed by indecision or sulk in disappointment. Instead, they continued on their westward journey. They simply "stayed the course until God changed it". This provides a powerful principle for our own lives. When faced with closed doors, the temptation can be to stop everything and wait for a dramatic sign. But Paul's example shows us to keep moving in the direction we know is right, trusting that God will guide us when the time is right. They continued west until they reached the coast at Troas, where they could physically go no further. It was only then, at the end of their own options, that God provided the next step through a vision.
Additional Scripture
Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD! ... Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! (Psalm 119:1, 5)
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. (Matthew 28:19-20)
Life Application What is your "west"? What is the general direction God has called you to—to love your family, serve in your church, share your faith at work, and walk humbly with Him?. When you face setbacks or uncertainty about the next specific step, don't just stop. Keep moving "west". Keep doing the good you know you are called to do. Trust that as you faithfully continue, God will either change your course or confirm it at the right moment.
Prayer points
Ask God for the patience and perseverance to "keep heading west" in your spiritual journey, even when you face obstacles.
Pray for the wisdom to discern the general direction He has called you to follow and the faith to continue in it.
Pray against the temptation to become paralysed by indecision, asking for the strength to keep serving Him faithfully each day.
Wednesday - God’s Call in Our Dead Ends
Today's Verse: 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.” (Acts 16:9)
Reflection Paul and his team had travelled as far west as they could go on land, arriving at the coastal city of Troas. They had tried to go north and south, but the Spirit had blocked them. Now, the sea was in front of them, a physical barrier stopping their forward progress. They had run out of their own options. It was precisely at this moment of being "stuck in a corner" that God intervened with a clear vision. This often happens in our own lives. When we exhaust our own plans, wisdom, and abilities, we become most open to hearing His quiet whisper. It is when we stop trusting in ourselves that we learn to trust most fully in Him. The vision of the Macedonian man was God's specific call, directing them to take the gospel to Europe for the very first time. This momentous step in church history came not when everything was going smoothly, but when the missionaries had come to the end of themselves and were completely dependent on God for the way forward.
Additional Scripture
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. (Matthew 7:7)
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)
Life Application Are you facing a "dead end" in your life? Perhaps you feel you've run out of options in your career, a relationship, or your ministry. See this not as a moment of failure, but as an opportunity for God to speak. When you feel stuck, that is the time to listen most intently for His voice. Instead of despairing, humble yourself before Him in prayer, acknowledge your dependence on Him, and wait expectantly for His direction, trusting that He will show you the way forward.
Prayer points
Pray that in moments when you feel you've run out of options, you would learn to trust most deeply in God.
Ask the Lord to give you a listening heart, ready to receive His direction when you come to the end of your own plans.
Thank God that His guidance is not limited by our circumstances and that He can create a new path where there seems to be none.
Thursday - Finding a Place of Prayer
Today's Verse: And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. (Acts 16:13)
Reflection Upon arriving in Philippi, a leading city in Macedonia, Paul's first priority was not finding comfortable lodging, but seeking out people to minister to. Typically, Paul would first go to the local synagogue to preach the gospel to the Jews and those who were already seeking God. However, Philippi did not have a synagogue, likely because there weren't the required ten Jewish men to establish one. This could have been seen as another setback, but the missionary team did not give up. Drawing on the scriptural tradition of exiled people gathering to worship by rivers, they went looking for a place of prayer by the riverside. Their persistence was driven by a core principle: start by preaching the gospel to those who are already looking for God. They actively sought out worshippers, and there, by the river, they found a small group of women gathered for prayer.
Additional Scripture
Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods. (Ezra 8:21)
By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down and wept, when we remembered Zion. (Psalm 137:1)
Life Application When you are in a new environment or seeking to share your faith, follow Paul’s example. Look for the "places of prayer." Seek out people who are already spiritually hungry, those who are already searching for God. Don't be discouraged if the usual methods or places aren't available. Be creative and persistent in finding those whose hearts might be prepared to hear the message of Jesus. This might mean joining a community group, volunteering, or simply being attentive to the spiritual conversations happening around you.
Prayer points
Ask God to give you a heart that prioritises seeking out people to minister to, just as Paul did.
Pray for discernment to recognise the "places of prayer" in your community and the courage to go to them.
Pray for those in your life who are already seeking spiritual truth, that you would have the opportunity to share the gospel with them.
Friday - The Lord Opens the Heart
Today's Verse: One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. (Acts 16:14)
Reflection The entire journey, with all its closed doors and divine redirections, led to this one moment by a river in Philippi. It led to Lydia, a faithful woman who was already a worshipper of God, praying with her friends. She may have been praying for a long time for someone to come and help her and her community know God more deeply. As Paul shared the gospel, the scripture tells us that the Lord opened her heart to pay attention to the message. This is a crucial truth of salvation. We cannot receive the gospel on our own; the Lord must first open our hearts. It is a divine process orchestrated by God. Just as Jesus says in the Gospel of John, "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him," God was at work in Lydia's heart, preparing her to receive the very message He was sending Paul to deliver. The salvation of this one woman was the magnificent purpose behind the closed doors in Asia and Bithynia. Her eternal life was changed forever because of God’s sovereign and guiding hand.
Additional Scripture
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. (Revelation 3:20)
No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. (John 6:44)
Life Application Remember that salvation is God's work. Our role is to faithfully share the message of Jesus, but it is the Holy Spirit's job to open hearts and bring about belief. This should free us from the pressure of having to "convince" people. Pray for your friends and family, and as you share the gospel, trust that God is already at work preparing their hearts, just as He prepared Lydia's. Be encouraged that your faithful obedience in sharing the message can be the final step in a long journey God has orchestrated for someone's salvation.
Prayer points
Thank the Lord that salvation is His work and that He is the one who opens hearts to the gospel.
Pray for specific people in your life, asking the Lord to open their hearts to hear and receive the good news of Jesus.
Ask for faithfulness in your role of sharing the gospel, trusting the results to the Holy Spirit.
Saturday - A Household of Faith
Today's Verse: And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us. (Acts 16:15)
Reflection Lydia's response to the gospel was immediate and transformative. After the Lord opened her heart, she believed and was baptised. But the work of the Holy Spirit did not stop with her. Her entire household was baptised as well. While we should not take this to mean that salvation is automatically extended to a whole family, the Bible gives us several amazing examples—Lydia, the Philippian jailer, and Cornelius—where an entire household came to faith. This is especially remarkable when we consider Jesus' own warning that His message would often bring division within families. These instances of household salvation should fill us with hope and remind us of the incredible power of God to save. Lydia’s transformed heart immediately overflowed into action. She shared the gospel with her household and extended hospitality to the missionaries, insisting they stay in her home. Her house became the foundation for the church in Philippi, a vibrant community of believers that grew in a very short time.
Additional Scripture
“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother... And a person's enemies will be those of his own household.” (Matthew 10:34-36)
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. (1 Peter 4:8-9)
Life Application Do you have family members who do not yet know Christ? The story of Lydia’s household should give you hope. Continue to pray for them, love them, and set an example of faith, life, and purity. Trust that just as God saved Lydia's entire family, He has the power to do the same for yours. Furthermore, consider how your own faith overflows into action. How can you, like Lydia, use your resources and your home to serve other believers and advance the gospel?.
Prayer points
Pray with hope for the salvation of your entire household, trusting in God's power to save.
Ask God to show you practical ways to show hospitality and use your home to be a blessing to the church and a place where the gospel can flourish.
Pray for the grace to live a life of love and purity that serves as a powerful witness to your unsaved family members.
Sunday - A Magnificent Purpose
Today's Verse: And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6)
Reflection Years after the frustrating journey of closed doors and redirections, Paul wrote a letter back to the church that started in Lydia’s home. In it, he expressed his deep joy and thankfulness for their partnership in the gospel "from the first day until now". Looking back, the "why" behind the closed doors in Asia becomes clear. God’s plan was not just to save Lydia, but to plant a faithful, enduring church in Europe—a church that would partner with Paul in his ministry for years to come. This church grew from one woman's conversion by a river into a community of saints with overseers and deacons. Sometimes we can only understand God’s will in hindsight. The journey may be filled with questions, frustrations, and what feels like failure, but we must trust that God is weaving it all into something magnificent for His glory. The good work He began in Lydia and the Philippian church, He promises to bring to completion. He is doing the same in us. Our part is to keep going, to keep heading west, trusting that He who started the work will be faithful to complete it.
Additional Scripture
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. (Philippians 1:1-5)
Life Application When you are discouraged by closed doors or a lack of clarity, remember the church at Philippi. Your current struggles and unanswered questions are part of a larger story God is writing. Trust that the good work He has begun in you, He will see through to the end. Don't quit. Keep reading, keep praying, keep sharing your faith, and keep doing what you know is right. One day, you will be able to look back and see the incredible work God accomplished simply by keeping you going.
Prayer points
Thank God for His promise that He will complete the good work He has started in you.
Pray for the faith to trust His plan, even when you don't understand the reasons for your current circumstances.
Ask for the Holy Spirit’s power to persevere in doing good, knowing that your faithfulness is part of God’s magnificent and eternal purpose.