Proverbs 16:9 A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.

 

Paul, Silas, Luke, and Timothy traveled to Macedonia to preach the Gospel. They did this in obedience to the Vision given to Paul. (Acts 16:10) When they arrived in Macedonia, they went straight to Philippi which Paul referred to as the chief city. And from Thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia…(Acts 16:12)

 

Philippi was the chief city because of its wealth which came from gold mines. It had also been the site of some great battles which caused it to have historical significance. In 42 B.C. Anthony and Octavian won the battle over Brutus and Cassius followed by the battle of Actium in 31 B.C. In that battle, Octavian was victorious over Anthony and Cleopatra. As a result, Italy sent a large group of Italians to Philippi and these people had Italian rights although living in Macedonia, which is northern Greece. To say that Philippi was a wealthy place would be an understatement.

 

Although the people were wealthy there was no sign of a synagogue anywhere. Very few Jews lived there but a few women who feared God gathered together outside of town by the river. Knowing this, Paul, Silas, Luke, and Timothy went to their meeting site on the Sabbath. And on the Sabbath Day we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to the women who met there. (Acts 16:13) Apparently, there were no men present.

 

It was here that they met a God-fearing businesswoman named Lydia from Thyatira. She was a traveling salesperson for a company that manufactured dyed fabric. Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. (Acts 16:14)

 

God had a Plan! Prior to the Vision, Paul and Silas had planned to take their ministry to Asiatic Turkey. Thyatira is a major city in that area well-known for its manufacturing of fabric and purple dye made from madder root.

 

Instead of Paul and his team going to Thyatira, the Holy Spirit directed them to Macedonia where they would meet Lydia who was from Thyatira. God caused their paths to cross on the riverside one Sabbath Day in Philippi! You might say that instead of Paul going to Thyatira, God brought Thyatira to him!

 

Obedience is the name of the game in our walk with the Lord. I encourage you to listen for the Voice of the Lord. Seek Dreams and Visions. Hear His Voice and obey because He has a Plan! As Solomon said, A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. (Proverbs 16:9) Hallelujah!

 

God’s Plan will……..….turn the tide

 

Direct my path, Lord.         

 

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