Beyond Sight

9 During the night Paul had a vision: there stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." 10 When he had seen the vision, we immediately tried to cross over to Macedonia, being convinced that God had called us to proclaim the good news to them. (Acts 16:9-10)

Paul, Silas and Timothy traveled to Macedonia on the basis of a vision Paul had of a man asking him to come and help. They set out in faith with no specifics on the place they would go or who they would meet. They only knew their purpose - to proclaim the good news. On the Sabbath after their arrival in Macedonia, outside the gate of the city, the travelers expected to find and found a place of prayer by the river as there was no synagogue. There was a group of women meeting there and Paul began to speak to them. One woman in particular, Lydia (who already worshiped God), responded to Paul's message by being baptized with her entire household.

As the account continues, Paul and his team stayed some time with Lydia and continued to meet at the place of prayer (v. 16). This eventually led to their being beaten and arrested - and to the salvation of the prison guard and his family. It can seem easy to interpret favorable, joyous times in life as God's blessing and difficult, painful times as God's condemnation. But we can only see one step in front of us while God sees the entire picture. Positive circumstances may be a time of refreshing encouragement providing sustaining strength during more difficult times.

As we approach Memorial Day, we remember those who fought while hoping, beyond the wars and conflicts they could see, for a day when peace would reign. Let us join our hope with theirs as we work to ensure their sacrifice is not in vain.

22 I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. 23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb. 24 The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. 25 Its gates will never be shut by day--and there will be no night there. 26 People will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. (Revelation 21:22-26)