The Response

If you’ve accepted Christ’s invitation to come, have you obeyed His commission to go?

During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”  After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. – Acts 16:9-10.

I was watching a TV series about first responders. A fireman was giving a tour of the fire station to a young group of kids and his response has stuck with me. He said that when you hear the sirens you don’t need to be afraid, they are a reminder that help is on the way.

Paul and his traveling companions were first responders. In the passage above it states that he got ready at once to leave for Macedonia. He didn’t waste time as he set out to do what God had called him to do.

His journey wasn’t across the street or even in the same town. It was several miles away and would require sailing across the ocean. The distance wasn’t a concern of his. These men were going for one purpose and that was to preach the gospel.

Sooner or later someone will call out to you for help. How will you respond? Will you be quick to answer? Will you be willing to go where God calls no matter how far or how much will be required?

With purposeful obedience Paul set out with full conviction that he was not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes. (Romans 1:16) He knew that the siren had been sounded and that help was on the way.

Sometimes when God calls I’m excited for the opportunity but then I find myself concerned about how others will respond. Paul’s example is so helpful in remembering that my call is obedience and God will take care of the rest.

Be Intentional about responding to God’s commission to go.

Praises & Prayers

Father, thank you for answering my call for help when I needed saving. I pray that I will boldly and purposefully obey Your leading to go when others call for help. I am not ashamed of my faith and I pray that I will share Your message of grace and hope with others. Their response is in Your very capable hands. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Messages from His Word

Psalm 119:60

I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.