“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” (Acts 16:9).
TEXT — Acts 16:6-10
Message
A prominent businessman attended several meetings organised by a gospel minister and said, “I have enjoyed all the meetings this week, but I am sorry I attended them!” “Why?” asked the astonished minister. “These meetings have reminded me afresh that I have missed God’s best for my life. I was called to Africa [for missions but I started making money]. I have everything money can buy. Down in my heart, however, there is a great void. My life had failed, not from the world’s standpoint but from God’s point of view!”
It is interesting to note how Paul the apostle responded to the call for missionary work at Macedonia. He intended to go to Bithynia, but the Spirit restricted him and his colleagues. While at Troas, Paul saw a vision asking for help from Macedonia. Immediately, he changed course and went there, assured that the Lord had called them to preach the gospel there.
The Macedonian call refers to an outcry for help from somewhere. It may be a call to embark on missionary work in places outside your usual domain. It may be within your state, country or overseas. It often comes with demands for self-denial that test your faith. Many believers who have received the Macedonian call, like the businessman above, give excuses for not heeding. They may be successful in the world but are failures in the sight of God.
There is a shortage of missionaries today. The gospel has yet to reach many parts of the world. Technology is good for transmitting gospel messages but fellowshipping with one another, teaching to observe all Jesus has said and physical follow-up needs evangelists on the ground. Delay no longer to heed the call.
Thought for the day
Downplaying a vision for a mission is a great omission.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
How can someone heed the call as an evangelist?
I’m fully bless in today’s devotion