Acts 16:13-34
One way we tend to judge whether we’re walking in God’s will is by the outcome. The assumption is that when we’re doing what the Lord wants, life will run smoothly. But if all sorts of problems occur, we often assume we have wandered away from His will.
Paul’s writings, however, show this is not always the case. His first letter to the Corinthians says, “For a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries” (1 Cor. 16:9). That’s exactly what happened when God closed one door and opened another on the apostle’s second missionary journey (Acts 16:6-10). After Lydia and her household received the gospel, this new opportunity must have seemed hopeful. Yet, a short time later Paul and Silas, having been stripped and beaten with rods, found themselves sitting in a Philippian jail.
We don’t like to think God’s will for our life might include pain or suffering, but Scripture teaches us that is a possibility. The Lord uses affliction to test our faith, teach dependence on Him, develop godly character, and equip us to comfort others (Rom. 5:3-4; 2 Cor. 1:4).
When the Lord opens a door to trials in our life, it’s an opportunity for others to witness God at work in us. May we learn to respond in a manner that draws others to the Savior.
Bible in One Year: Hebrews 1-3
