“The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)

Paul understood this. He and Barnabas had planned their first missionary journey, but when they’d gotten home to Antioch, “they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.” The LORD had established each step along the way.

In Acts this Sunday, having come to the end of their planned itinerary to visit the brothers in every city where they had proclaimed the word of the Lord to see how they were, we’ll see Paul and his team strike out into uncharted territory. And we’ll see the Lord establish their steps in some confounding ways. Twice Jesus emphatically closed doors as a means of guiding Paul precisely where and to whom he wanted to send him.

We’ve all experienced God closing doors, big and small, but do we draw the right conclusions when he does? Do we trust that he is writing the best story by way of those closed doors? That the steps he establishes for us are the best steps, even when they don’t seem like it? Our passage this week offers us great perspective and encouragement and hope.

Kenny Clark will be preaching Acts 16:6-15 this Sunday and Cole Jones will be leading our sung worship. Would you take some time this week to read the passage and pray for each as they prepare? And two great ways to pray for one another in anticipation of this Sunday are beautifully worded in this CityAlight song we will sing together.

Open up my eyes so I may see
That You have made these ways for me
Open up my eyes so I may see
That You my God, will walk with me

See you Sunday, Grace. Come hungry!

 

Song of the Week

All My Ways are Known to You by CityAlight