Our Strategic God

Paul and Timothy could attest to the fact that where God guides, He provides.

And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them. Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis; And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days. Acts 16:9-12 (KJV)

Paul and Timothy were looking to preach the Word in Asia but the Holy Spirit would not permit them. They also hoped to go to Bithynia but once again the Holy Spirit said no. Instead, the Holy Spirit led them to Macedonia by a vision. Obedient to the Lord’s direction, Paul and Timothy traveled to the city of Philippi in Macedonia. No mention is made of any contacts that these two men had in Philippi, so they were traveling there in faith, expecting God to provide for them while they are there. As we read on, we see that the Lord did indeed provide for them.

And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us. Acts 16:13-15 (KJV)

As Paul and Timothy were obedient to go where God sent them and were faithful to preach the Gospel to those He put in their path, God was faithful to arrange their provision. God strategically orchestrated the situation so Lydia was there, open to the Word they preached, and willing to give them food and shelter while they were in the city.

If God is directing you to step out and do something daring but you are wondering where the resources will come from, rest assured- He has it all strategically arranged. When we walk in faith, trusting in Him for what we need, He does not let us down. God has divine appointments lined up, ready to give us what is required. Refuse to fear, and know that where God guides, He really does provide.