macedonian call.

Paul was such an outstanding man of God. Obedient to His voice and to the Holy Spirit in everything He did. Acts 16:9-40 is probably my favorite encounter of Paul's. In the beginning of the chapter it talks about Paul traveling to the different places that the Lord led him to go and even blocked him from the wrong places in order to get him where He wanted Paul. But my favorite part of this chapter is the vision that Paul received from the Lord of the man calling for Paul from across the sea for his help in Macedonia. Right after Paul realized what happened, he got everyone that was traveling with him ready and immediately headed for Macedonia. He didn't stop and second guess if it was the Lord or not...not one single bit of doubt in what he had just seen, but He simply obeyed. Throughout Paul's journey to Macedonia, he ministered to people, led people to the Lord, and people were baptized in the Holy Spirit. Paul had such an anointing on him to minister...the awesome thing is that we, descendants of Christ, also have that anointing. While Paul and Silas were in Philippi they ministered to some women and one in particular, Lydia, was truly blessed by what Paul said and the Lord moved in her heart, so in return she invited them to her house. What a hospitable woman! Afterward, Paul and Silas ran into this young fortune-teller, spirit possessed girl which began mocking the fact that they worked for the Lord and were there to share the Gospel. After living with her following them for a day or two, Paul cast that spirit out of her and moved on. But, the owners realized what Paul had done and seized both him and Silas and took them to the police in the middle of the market place. All of a sudden Paul and Silas are being ripped to shreds, beaten up, attacked, and were thrown into jail. Remember now, these are mighty men of God. Nothing moves them. Anyways, while in the jail, Paul and Silas begin singing praises to the Lord and praying in the Spirit when the Lord sent a mighty earthquake and caused the doors to the jail to open and all the chains to break free!

Glory to God! Such an amazing testimony of how powerful God is! 

Going on, the jailer is obviously awake and even tried to commit suicide but Paul urged him to stop so he did and right then and there gave his life to the Lord. The jailer took Paul and Silas to his house to clean themselves and eat. While they were there though, the entire family experienced the uncontainable joy of the Lord and was saved and baptized in the Holy Spirit. 

What an awesome thing to take place! It so pays to obey the Lord!! No matter if we have our own preconceived ideas, following Him beats failing and having to start all over. I'd rather do it right the first time cause that's the kind of God we serve. We obey Him the first time? We'll always be in the right and good path, always be able to minister and be blessings, and also be filled with His anointing to minister and preach the gospel.
Glory to God! We each have our own Macedonian calls calling out to us, telling us where we need to be a help and an impact. I've heard my Macedonian call and I am sure you have too. 

God is so good! 

Paul simply followed the Lord and came out on top with His help. I encourage you to read the encounters the Lord practiced through Paul, and look at what you can do to be able to be more of an impact and blessing to where God has called you to be right now at this point in your life. I have that so strong on my heart...no second guessing what the Lord has already said. Obey Him and you'll come out on top with Him. 

Be blessed.