Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region
of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit
from preaching the word in the province of Asia.
When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia,
but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to.
So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas.
During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia
standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”
After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave
for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
– Acts 16:6-10
Take the necessary steps to become aligned with God.
The apostle Paul had a burning desire to help people, but needed to rely on the Holy Spirit to determine his next steps. When we submit to God, He lets us know which projects have our name on them. For Paul, God confirmed he needed to serve people in Macedonia.
Natalie Grant is a well-known Christian recording artist. She ministers to so many people through her music. God wanted to expand her ministry. On a trip to India, Natalie saw first hand the atrocities of human trafficking. When a young child had been captured, put in a cage, and forced into miserable slavery, Natalie knew something must be done to help.
Compelled by love, Natalie founded Abolition International® which has the mission of eradicating sex trafficking and exploitation. For Natalie, God wanted her to extend a strong hand of protection and kindness to those who are trapped in a cruel injustice. How is God prompting you? Are you paying attention to Him and listening closely?
Rescuing one person at a time, God is using the ministry, started by Natalie, to give people a new beginning and freedom from oppression. God’s redirections can be trusted. Like Natalie, we need to pay attention to His promptings so that we can respond courageously to the significant needs that surround us. When you observe a situation and God stirs up a righteous desire for justice, do not ignore His leading. You can become part of the reform and make progress towards a positive solution.
Sacrificing personal convenience and comfort are worth it. The challenges of your personal transitions are far exceeded by the joy of giving someone else a new start in life.
How can you help rescue people, especially those who are trapped in human trafficking?
Yearning for more encouragement? You might also like Expiration Dates
Excerpt republished with permission from A New Season by Jesse Bradley c. 2013
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