It Starts Small

Do you remember when we were reading chapter 16, the door to Asia was closed by God and they were sent another way?

They went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia; they had been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia.

Acts 16:6

Paul may have been disappointed at the time, but with the benefit of hindsight, he now knows that God had a bigger better plan! God was moving him into what we call Europe!

Today we learn that Paul has traveled all the way to Ephesus.

While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior regions and came to Ephesus. He found some disciples 

Acts 19:1

Paul arrives at Ephesus. Paul even stayed with the Ephesians for 3 years. We something wonderful happen:

This went on for two years, so that all the residents of Asia, both Jews and Greeks, heard the word of the Lord.

Acts 19:10
(Bold for emphasis)

As a result, “all” the people in that providence of Asia heard the gospel. This is something called kairos or the divine timing.

Can we pull back the curtain to see what was going on behind the scenes? While Paul was busy working in Ephesus, a few friends from Corinth came to visit him.

For it has been reported to me about you, my brothers and sisters, by members of Chloe’s people, that there is rivalry among you.

1 Corinthians 1:11

They spoke about the situation in Corinth and gave Paul a letter from the church. In response, Paul wrote 1 Corinthians. After they returned to Corinth, Paul’s relationship with the Corinthians turned south. It actually became so traumatic it involved tears and many confrontations. One thing led to another and when Paul left Ephesus and went to Macedonia, he wrote 2 Corinthians.

We know that Paul wrote 13 letters. These letters are all apart of the New Testament. Did you know that writing letters was not Paul’s first choice? Paul always wanted to do ministry and meet person to person. If he could not, he sent representatives, like Timothy or Titus to speak to the people. Writing letters was at best his “second” choice or perhaps even “third choice.”

But let us look closer! More than two thousand years later, what is Paul most known for? What is Paul’s best legacy? His letters.

IS it not frustrating to get stuck “In between normals” knowing you have a calling by the Lord, a heart for a particular ministry and you go to Asia, but God shuts the door. It is disheartening when all we have is our “second choice.”

Take heart friends, pour everything into your “second choice.” God’s timing will bring you to your “first choice,” like Paul’s desire to go to Asia, or your “second choice” might end up being your “best legacy,” like Paul’s letters. Either way, do not get frustrated or bitter. DO not complain. Just do what you have before you know and with all your heart!

Thoughts to Ponder:

• DO you feel prevented from pursuing your dream? Your first choice?
• How can you allow God to make your second choice a masterpiece?

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