When God Changes Your Plans // Acts 16:1-15 // Watermark Community Church

Today's reading is from Acts chapter 16 Today's reading is from Acts chapter 16 verses 4 and 5. As they went on their verses 4 and 5. As they went on their verses 4 and 5. As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered way through the cities, they delivered way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions to them for observance the decisions to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles that had been reached by the apostles that had been reached by the apostles who were and elders who were in who were and elders who were in who were and elders who were in Jerusalem. The So, the churches were Jerusalem. The So, the churches were Jerusalem. The So, the churches were strengthened in faith and they increased strengthened in faith and they increased strengthened in faith and they increased in numbers daily. >> Give it up for Thomas >> Give it up for Thomas >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> and his brother Henry was the one who >> and his brother Henry was the one who >> and his brother Henry was the one who gave the testimony. Just so cool to see gave the testimony. Just so cool to see gave the testimony. Just so cool to see what God is doing among elementary what God is doing among elementary what God is doing among elementary students students students at our church and we're so glad if at our church and we're so glad if at our church and we're so glad if you're a kiddo in here, we're so glad you're a kiddo in here, we're so glad you're a kiddo in here, we're so glad you're with us in the month of July. Can you're with us in the month of July. Can you're with us in the month of July. Can we give it up for our elementary school we give it up for our elementary school we give it up for our elementary school kids again shouting them out today? kids again shouting them out today? kids again shouting them out today? >> [applause] >> Well, we're going to start off today the >> Well, we're going to start off today the way we always start. So, kids, we're way we always start. So, kids, we're way we always start. So, kids, we're we're glad you're here in the auditorium we're glad you're here in the auditorium we're glad you're here in the auditorium getting to see what your parents do getting to see what your parents do getting to see what your parents do every Sunday and they never miss ever every Sunday and they never miss ever every Sunday and they never miss ever >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> in this place and we sit under the word >> in this place and we sit under the word >> in this place and we sit under the word and we worship and then we pray and and we worship and then we pray and and we worship and then we pray and together. So, we're going to start the together. So, we're going to start the together. So, we're going to start the way we always start and let's pray.

way we always start and let's pray. way we always start and let's pray. Right now, would you just pray that God Right now, would you just pray that God Right now, would you just pray that God would speak directly to you today would speak directly to you today would speak directly to you today through the message? And then would you pray for those around And then would you pray for those around you that they would have an encounter you that they would have an encounter you that they would have an encounter with God today? And then would you pray for me that God And then would you pray for me that God would speak through me with clarity, would speak through me with clarity, would speak through me with clarity, boldness, and humility? Well, come, Holy Spirit. Well, come, Holy Spirit. Father, even in July, we long to Father, even in July, we long to Father, even in July, we long to encounter you, especially in July. Lord, encounter you, especially in July. Lord, encounter you, especially in July. Lord, you you you there's such a there's such a there's such a a joy to hear the a joy to hear the a joy to hear the the laughing and the the noise in this the laughing and the the noise in this the laughing and the the noise in this room is a reminder of what you love. room is a reminder of what you love. room is a reminder of what you love. Jesus said, "Unless you become like a Jesus said, "Unless you become like a Jesus said, "Unless you become like a little child, you can't come into my little child, you can't come into my little child, you can't come into my kingdom." And so, Lord, would we kingdom." And so, Lord, would we kingdom." And so, Lord, would we remember that today and would this would remember that today and would this would remember that today and would this would be a sweet sound to your ears. Come, be a sweet sound to your ears. Come, be a sweet sound to your ears. Come, Holy Spirit, join us.

Holy Spirit, join us. Holy Spirit, join us. Give us eyes to see your word. In Jesus' Give us eyes to see your word. In Jesus' Give us eyes to see your word. In Jesus' name. Amen. name. Amen. name. Amen. Uh well, my name is Tyler Moffitt and I Uh well, my name is Tyler Moffitt and I Uh well, my name is Tyler Moffitt and I serve on the Porch team, the young adult serve on the Porch team, the young adult serve on the Porch team, the young adult team here at Watermark. Yes, some of you team here at Watermark. Yes, some of you team here at Watermark. Yes, some of you here. And uh here. And uh here. And uh and it's a joy to be back with you. I've and it's a joy to be back with you. I've and it's a joy to be back with you. I've gotten to be up here a few times, but gotten to be up here a few times, but gotten to be up here a few times, but since the last time I was here, my since the last time I was here, my since the last time I was here, my family expanded. We had baby number family expanded. We had baby number family expanded. We had baby number four. I think we have a picture of him, four. I think we have a picture of him, four. I think we have a picture of him, little Jet. This is Jet. Yeah. little Jet. This is Jet. Yeah. little Jet. This is Jet. Yeah. I know, he always gets that response, I know, he always gets that response, I know, he always gets that response, but I like to say I'm pretty sure he was but I like to say I'm pretty sure he was but I like to say I'm pretty sure he was working on a diaper when we took that working on a diaper when we took that working on a diaper when we took that picture. So, don't let him fool you. Uh picture. So, don't let him fool you. Uh picture. So, don't let him fool you. Uh but now my family is is a family of six, but now my family is is a family of six, but now my family is is a family of six, so four kids. We have this picture from so four kids. We have this picture from so four kids. We have this picture from Pine Cove family camp a few weeks ago. Pine Cove family camp a few weeks ago. Pine Cove family camp a few weeks ago. Uh that's the crew. Uh 6-year-old in the Uh that's the crew. Uh 6-year-old in the Uh that's the crew. Uh 6-year-old in the middle, middle, middle, 5-year-old on the your left side. Uh 5-year-old on the your left side. Uh 5-year-old on the your left side. Uh that's Ty. Emery's in the middle. that's Ty. Emery's in the middle. that's Ty. Emery's in the middle. Malachi's on the right and then Jet is Malachi's on the right and then Jet is Malachi's on the right and then Jet is being held by my wife, Jen. being held by my wife, Jen. being held by my wife, Jen. And uh so I I show you that picture, one And uh so I I show you that picture, one And uh so I I show you that picture, one to show my family, but also to say, "If to show my family, but also to say, "If to show my family, but also to say, "If your kid is in here and they start your kid is in here and they start your kid is in here and they start acting crazy, I understand, okay?" They acting crazy, I understand, okay?" They acting crazy, I understand, okay?" They were here first service and so I get it.

were here first service and so I get it. were here first service and so I get it. So, you will not uh offend me if your So, you will not uh offend me if your So, you will not uh offend me if your kid gets in the aisle and starts being kid gets in the aisle and starts being kid gets in the aisle and starts being crazy, you're good. But the other reason crazy, you're good. But the other reason crazy, you're good. But the other reason I show that is uh you know my family the I show that is uh you know my family the I show that is uh you know my family the ages that we are we're always trying to ages that we are we're always trying to ages that we are we're always trying to come up with creative things as parents come up with creative things as parents come up with creative things as parents to you know have fun in our family and to you know have fun in our family and to you know have fun in our family and one thing that we love in this season is one thing that we love in this season is one thing that we love in this season is the game Uno. Anybody play Uno in your the game Uno. Anybody play Uno in your the game Uno. Anybody play Uno in your house? Yeah, oh wow a lot of people in house? Yeah, oh wow a lot of people in house? Yeah, oh wow a lot of people in this service. I love Uno. Relatively this service. I love Uno. Relatively this service. I love Uno. Relatively straightforward colors numbers straightforward colors numbers straightforward colors numbers with some action cards that are complete with some action cards that are complete with some action cards that are complete game changers right? In fact this game changers right? In fact this game changers right? In fact this weekend I went to Target and I got this weekend I went to Target and I got this weekend I went to Target and I got this massive version. You can buy this okay? massive version. You can buy this okay? massive version. You can buy this okay? I got this and we're playing it as a I got this and we're playing it as a I got this and we're playing it as a family. It's funny seeing my family. It's funny seeing my family. It's funny seeing my five-year-old with these you know and five-year-old with these you know and five-year-old with these you know and but uh but uh but uh but in the game Uno you know you you got but in the game Uno you know you you got but in the game Uno you know you you got your plan right? You got your two your plan right? You got your two your plan right? You got your two yellows left you know I okay I'm yellows left you know I okay I'm yellows left you know I okay I'm counting it out and then all of a sudden counting it out and then all of a sudden counting it out and then all of a sudden they start throwing these action cards. they start throwing these action cards. they start throwing these action cards. So one is this So one is this So one is this draw two you know not that big of a deal draw two you know not that big of a deal draw two you know not that big of a deal you know it's a minor infraction you you know it's a minor infraction you you know it's a minor infraction you throw that one out. But then the next throw that one out. But then the next throw that one out. But then the next ones get a little personal you know and ones get a little personal you know and ones get a little personal you know and when someone throws this one your way when someone throws this one your way when someone throws this one your way you're like wow really? You're going to you're like wow really? You're going to you're like wow really? You're going to do that to me you know?

do that to me you know? do that to me you know? And then do you ever get stuck between And then do you ever get stuck between And then do you ever get stuck between the Uno reverse? Like the person in the Uno reverse? Like the person in the Uno reverse? Like the person in front of you plays the reverse you got front of you plays the reverse you got front of you plays the reverse you got to wait they go the other way then the to wait they go the other way then the to wait they go the other way then the other person plays the reverse and other person plays the reverse and other person plays the reverse and you're caught in sandwich in the middle. you're caught in sandwich in the middle. you're caught in sandwich in the middle. But then there's one more you know the But then there's one more you know the But then there's one more you know the game changer of all the draw four wild. game changer of all the draw four wild. game changer of all the draw four wild. You play this one and counseling may be You play this one and counseling may be You play this one and counseling may be necessary in your household. necessary in your household. necessary in your household. Right? Because the reality is Uno Right? Because the reality is Uno Right? Because the reality is Uno is a lot like life. is a lot like life. is a lot like life. I I WOULD JUST IN LIFE RIGHT? WE GOT ALL I I WOULD JUST IN LIFE RIGHT? WE GOT ALL I I WOULD JUST IN LIFE RIGHT? WE GOT ALL OF OUR PLAN. We got it figured out okay OF OUR PLAN. We got it figured out okay OF OUR PLAN. We got it figured out okay I'm going to marry this person I'm going I'm going to marry this person I'm going I'm going to marry this person I'm going to live in this place I'm going to do to live in this place I'm going to do to live in this place I'm going to do this job. I'm going to I'm going to be this job. I'm going to I'm going to be this job. I'm going to I'm going to be healthy forever. healthy forever. healthy forever. And then all of a sudden Uno reverse And then all of a sudden Uno reverse And then all of a sudden Uno reverse right? I didn't see that coming. right? I didn't see that coming. right? I didn't see that coming. Oh man draw four wild. I got to where Oh man draw four wild. I got to where Oh man draw four wild. I got to where did all these kids come from? did all these kids come from? did all these kids come from? Right? Right? Right? Yeah not planned in the notes. Sorry, Yeah not planned in the notes. Sorry, Yeah not planned in the notes. Sorry, Jen. Uh Uh Jen. Uh Uh Jen. Uh Uh But the reality is life's like that. But the reality is life's like that. But the reality is life's like that. And the scripture that we're looking at And the scripture that we're looking at And the scripture that we're looking at today in the book of Acts is like that.

today in the book of Acts is like that. today in the book of Acts is like that. And so if you have your Bible, if you'll And so if you have your Bible, if you'll And so if you have your Bible, if you'll turn to Acts chapter 16 today. turn to Acts chapter 16 today. turn to Acts chapter 16 today. In Acts chapter 16, we see God In Acts chapter 16, we see God In Acts chapter 16, we see God change the course and the plan of what change the course and the plan of what change the course and the plan of what feels like outside forces that are feels like outside forces that are feels like outside forces that are controlling and going on and all the controlling and going on and all the controlling and going on and all the while God is weaving together a plan while God is weaving together a plan while God is weaving together a plan that we can't see. that we can't see. that we can't see. All All year we as a church at Watermark All All year we as a church at Watermark All All year we as a church at Watermark are walking through the book of Acts. are walking through the book of Acts. are walking through the book of Acts. And the past 2 weeks we were in Acts And the past 2 weeks we were in Acts And the past 2 weeks we were in Acts chapter 15 and it was a little chaotic. chapter 15 and it was a little chaotic. chapter 15 and it was a little chaotic. There was some theological conversation There was some theological conversation There was some theological conversation that needed to happen at Jerusalem that needed to happen at Jerusalem that needed to happen at Jerusalem Council. And then we watched the A-team Council. And then we watched the A-team Council. And then we watched the A-team split up, Paul and Barnabas last week. split up, Paul and Barnabas last week. split up, Paul and Barnabas last week. And now we watch Paul with his buddy And now we watch Paul with his buddy And now we watch Paul with his buddy Silas start moving towards Europe. And Silas start moving towards Europe. And Silas start moving towards Europe. And so as we watch this, we're going to see so as we watch this, we're going to see so as we watch this, we're going to see God is steering a moving ship. It's God is steering a moving ship. It's God is steering a moving ship. It's moving, but God is steering it and moving, but God is steering it and moving, but God is steering it and there's going to be three unexpected there's going to be three unexpected there's going to be three unexpected turns in Acts chapter 16 and that's what turns in Acts chapter 16 and that's what turns in Acts chapter 16 and that's what we're going to look at uh quickly this we're going to look at uh quickly this we're going to look at uh quickly this morning. So number one, the first morning. So number one, the first morning. So number one, the first unexpected turn that we see is that God unexpected turn that we see is that God unexpected turn that we see is that God uses conflict as an opportunity for uses conflict as an opportunity for uses conflict as an opportunity for discipleship. God uses conflict as an discipleship. God uses conflict as an discipleship. God uses conflict as an opportunity for discipleship. So again, opportunity for discipleship. So again, opportunity for discipleship. So again, to recap last week, Paul and Barnabas to recap last week, Paul and Barnabas to recap last week, Paul and Barnabas split up and the reason why they split split up and the reason why they split split up and the reason why they split up is because Paul said to Barnabas, up is because Paul said to Barnabas, up is because Paul said to Barnabas, "Hey, I want to take you and I want to "Hey, I want to take you and I want to "Hey, I want to take you and I want to go and visit all the churches we planted go and visit all the churches we planted go and visit all the churches we planted in our first journey."

in our first journey." in our first journey." And Barnabas goes, "That's great. Let me And Barnabas goes, "That's great. Let me And Barnabas goes, "That's great. Let me bring my cousin, Mark." And And Paul bring my cousin, Mark." And And Paul bring my cousin, Mark." And And Paul goes, "No, no, no, no, I'm not cool with goes, "No, no, no, no, I'm not cool with goes, "No, no, no, no, I'm not cool with you bringing Mark. Mark deserted us in you bringing Mark. Mark deserted us in you bringing Mark. Mark deserted us in the past and I don't want him to do it the past and I don't want him to do it the past and I don't want him to do it again." again." again." And so they actually split over this and And so they actually split over this and And so they actually split over this and Barnabas took Paul or took uh Mark and Barnabas took Paul or took uh Mark and Barnabas took Paul or took uh Mark and Paul took Silas and then that gets us Paul took Silas and then that gets us Paul took Silas and then that gets us all the way to Acts 16:1. So, look at all the way to Acts 16:1. So, look at all the way to Acts 16:1. So, look at verse 1. verse 1. verse 1. It says, "So, Paul and Silas, Paul came It says, "So, Paul and Silas, Paul came It says, "So, Paul and Silas, Paul came to Derby and Lystra. to Derby and Lystra. to Derby and Lystra. And a disciple was there named Timothy, And a disciple was there named Timothy, And a disciple was there named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a the son of a Jewish woman who was a the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, believer, believer, but his father was a Greek. but his father was a Greek. but his father was a Greek. He was well spoken of by the brothers at He was well spoken of by the brothers at He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium. Lystra and Iconium. Lystra and Iconium. And Paul wanted Timothy to accompany And Paul wanted Timothy to accompany And Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him. He took him and circumcised him him. He took him and circumcised him him. He took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those because of the Jews who were in those because of the Jews who were in those places, places, places, for they all knew that his father was a for they all knew that his father was a for they all knew that his father was a Greek. Greek. Greek. And as they went on their way through And as they went on their way through And as they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for the cities, they delivered to them for the cities, they delivered to them for observant the decisions that had been observant the decisions that had been observant the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who reached by the apostles and elders who reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. were in Jerusalem. were in Jerusalem. So, the churches were strengthened in So, the churches were strengthened in So, the churches were strengthened in the faith and they increased in numbers the faith and they increased in numbers the faith and they increased in numbers daily."

daily." daily." All right. So, what happens in this All right. So, what happens in this All right. So, what happens in this section is Paul goes to Lystra and he section is Paul goes to Lystra and he section is Paul goes to Lystra and he meets a young disciple named Timothy. meets a young disciple named Timothy. meets a young disciple named Timothy. And Timothy's mom is awesome. She's a And Timothy's mom is awesome. She's a And Timothy's mom is awesome. She's a believer, but his dad is an unbeliever. believer, but his dad is an unbeliever. believer, but his dad is an unbeliever. He's Greek. He's Greek. He's Greek. And yet Paul sees him and he goes, "I And yet Paul sees him and he goes, "I And yet Paul sees him and he goes, "I want you to come with me. Be like my want you to come with me. Be like my want you to come with me. Be like my Star Wars Padawan. Uh follow me Star Wars Padawan. Uh follow me Star Wars Padawan. Uh follow me everywhere." He says, "I want you to everywhere." He says, "I want you to everywhere." He says, "I want you to come with me." And he says, "I'm going come with me." And he says, "I'm going come with me." And he says, "I'm going to I'm going to circumcise you." We to I'm going to circumcise you." We to I'm going to circumcise you." We won't go into that in this room. Ask won't go into that in this room. Ask won't go into that in this room. Ask your parents. Uh we're going to your parents. Uh we're going to your parents. Uh we're going to circumcise you. circumcise you. circumcise you. Uh not because and this is confusing if Uh not because and this is confusing if Uh not because and this is confusing if you're reading Acts because Acts 15 was you're reading Acts because Acts 15 was you're reading Acts because Acts 15 was all about you don't need to be all about you don't need to be all about you don't need to be circumcised to be saved. And here Paul circumcised to be saved. And here Paul circumcised to be saved. And here Paul goes, "Mm, goes, "Mm, goes, "Mm, you need to be circumcised." The reason you need to be circumcised." The reason you need to be circumcised." The reason is it's not for salvation, it's for is it's not for salvation, it's for is it's not for salvation, it's for confusion. Paul goes, "I'm going to confusion. Paul goes, "I'm going to confusion. Paul goes, "I'm going to revisit all these churches with a lot of revisit all these churches with a lot of revisit all these churches with a lot of Jewish people and I don't want them Jewish people and I don't want them Jewish people and I don't want them confused." But he goes, "Timothy, I want confused." But he goes, "Timothy, I want confused." But he goes, "Timothy, I want you on my team." you on my team." you on my team." Now, here's what's happening here. We we Now, here's what's happening here. We we Now, here's what's happening here. We we see this this card show up right at the see this this card show up right at the see this this card show up right at the beginning of Acts chapter 16.

beginning of Acts chapter 16. beginning of Acts chapter 16. But Paul is wanting to take Barnabas, But Paul is wanting to take Barnabas, But Paul is wanting to take Barnabas, but now there's there's conflict, but now there's there's conflict, but now there's there's conflict, there's issue. there's issue. there's issue. And then he goes and he sees this young And then he goes and he sees this young And then he goes and he sees this young boy, but he's he's not circumcised. He's boy, but he's he's not circumcised. He's boy, but he's he's not circumcised. He's not exactly what I would have wanted. not exactly what I would have wanted. not exactly what I would have wanted. And yet God all the while is going, And yet God all the while is going, And yet God all the while is going, "Hey, hey, hey, what seems like a "Hey, hey, hey, what seems like a "Hey, hey, hey, what seems like a setback is actually a step forward." setback is actually a step forward." setback is actually a step forward." When you see the rest of Paul's When you see the rest of Paul's When you see the rest of Paul's ministry, who are the people that are ministry, who are the people that are ministry, who are the people that are with him as he's writing the rest of his with him as he's writing the rest of his with him as he's writing the rest of his letters? letters? letters? It's Paul and Silas. It's Paul and Silas. It's Paul and Silas. And it's Paul and Timothy. And it's Paul and Timothy. And it's Paul and Timothy. In fact, the last two letters that Paul In fact, the last two letters that Paul In fact, the last two letters that Paul will ever write from prison is to his will ever write from prison is to his will ever write from prison is to his son in the faith, Timothy. son in the faith, Timothy. son in the faith, Timothy. See, what seemed like conflict that was See, what seemed like conflict that was See, what seemed like conflict that was leading to to Paul's agenda being taken leading to to Paul's agenda being taken leading to to Paul's agenda being taken off task is actually an opportunity for off task is actually an opportunity for off task is actually an opportunity for Paul to link up with his closest two Paul to link up with his closest two Paul to link up with his closest two brothers for the cause of Christ. brothers for the cause of Christ. brothers for the cause of Christ. See See, here's a takeaway for us this See See, here's a takeaway for us this See See, here's a takeaway for us this morning. morning. morning. Conflict is opportunity for discipleship Conflict is opportunity for discipleship Conflict is opportunity for discipleship in your life. I have this in my office, in your life. I have this in my office, in your life. I have this in my office, and I look at it every day. My team and I look at it every day. My team and I look at it every day. My team laughs cuz they hear me say it, laughs cuz they hear me say it, laughs cuz they hear me say it, "Conflict is not a setback, it's an "Conflict is not a setback, it's an "Conflict is not a setback, it's an opportunity."

opportunity." opportunity." Some of us, we're so tight with our Some of us, we're so tight with our Some of us, we're so tight with our community, and we can't see beyond, and community, and we can't see beyond, and community, and we can't see beyond, and God has to cause some conflict for us to God has to cause some conflict for us to God has to cause some conflict for us to go, "Oh, maybe there's other people that go, "Oh, maybe there's other people that go, "Oh, maybe there's other people that I need to be investing in." I need to be investing in." I need to be investing in." Or our relationships are superficial. Or our relationships are superficial. Or our relationships are superficial. You put some honesty, you put some You put some honesty, you put some You put some honesty, you put some conflict, and all of a sudden they go conflict, and all of a sudden they go conflict, and all of a sudden they go deep. Reminds me of my wedding day. deep. Reminds me of my wedding day. deep. Reminds me of my wedding day. On my wedding day, I, you know, I'm On my wedding day, I, you know, I'm On my wedding day, I, you know, I'm waiting for Jen to come out. I'm looking waiting for Jen to come out. I'm looking waiting for Jen to come out. I'm looking at all the families, bridesmaids, at all the families, bridesmaids, at all the families, bridesmaids, groomsmen, and there's this interesting groomsmen, and there's this interesting groomsmen, and there's this interesting moment where I'm looking at my moment where I'm looking at my moment where I'm looking at my groomsmen, and I'm just admiring them groomsmen, and I'm just admiring them groomsmen, and I'm just admiring them like, "Oh, my boys." like, "Oh, my boys." like, "Oh, my boys." And then I had this thought. As I'm And then I had this thought. As I'm And then I had this thought. As I'm going through each person, I'm like, "I going through each person, I'm like, "I going through each person, I'm like, "I have been in significant conflict with have been in significant conflict with have been in significant conflict with every one of these guys." every one of these guys." every one of these guys." I mean, I just thought about my brother, I mean, I just thought about my brother, I mean, I just thought about my brother, Red. My My parents bought us boxing Red. My My parents bought us boxing Red. My My parents bought us boxing gloves growing up so we wouldn't hit gloves growing up so we wouldn't hit gloves growing up so we wouldn't hit each other and draw blood cuz we fought each other and draw blood cuz we fought each other and draw blood cuz we fought so much. so much. so much. I I thought about my friend Scott whose I I thought about my friend Scott whose I I thought about my friend Scott whose dad wasn't a believer and when we were dad wasn't a believer and when we were dad wasn't a believer and when we were in elementary school I was like, "Mhm, in elementary school I was like, "Mhm, in elementary school I was like, "Mhm, he's not a believer. Guess he's going to he's not a believer. Guess he's going to he's not a believer. Guess he's going to hell." And then I told him and then he hell." And then I told him and then he hell." And then I told him and then he tells his mom and she calls my mom and tells his mom and she calls my mom and tells his mom and she calls my mom and conflict, okay?

conflict, okay? conflict, okay? I I remember another friend. He in I I remember another friend. He in I I remember another friend. He in college we were roommates and he wanted college we were roommates and he wanted college we were roommates and he wanted to get married to this girl and I was to get married to this girl and I was to get married to this girl and I was like, "I don't think you should." And it like, "I don't think you should." And it like, "I don't think you should." And it it caused this big blow up with our it caused this big blow up with our it caused this big blow up with our friend group because he was like, "I friend group because he was like, "I friend group because he was like, "I don't know." Another friend, we're don't know." Another friend, we're don't know." Another friend, we're camping and and I was like, "I don't camping and and I was like, "I don't camping and and I was like, "I don't think you're a believer." He's like, "I think you're a believer." He's like, "I think you're a believer." He's like, "I don't think you're a believer." And and don't think you're a believer." And and don't think you're a believer." And and we made it through. Like here we are. we made it through. Like here we are. we made it through. Like here we are. You know, just significant conflict and You know, just significant conflict and You know, just significant conflict and yet it grew us. yet it grew us. yet it grew us. Some of us right now, your your Some of us right now, your your Some of us right now, your your community group is a mess. community group is a mess. community group is a mess. And and you look at your group and go, And and you look at your group and go, And and you look at your group and go, "Ah, this is the worst." And maybe it "Ah, this is the worst." And maybe it "Ah, this is the worst." And maybe it is. is. is. But I would say maybe it's God allowing But I would say maybe it's God allowing But I would say maybe it's God allowing the superficial relationship that you the superficial relationship that you the superficial relationship that you had to go deeper or to show you another had to go deeper or to show you another had to go deeper or to show you another opportunity you didn't know existed. opportunity you didn't know existed. opportunity you didn't know existed. Some Some of you, your family, it's just Some Some of you, your family, it's just Some Some of you, your family, it's just it's going crazy or your friend group or it's going crazy or your friend group or it's going crazy or your friend group or your roommates or or classmates at your roommates or or classmates at your roommates or or classmates at school and and this conflict seems like school and and this conflict seems like school and and this conflict seems like a setback, but what you see through a setback, but what you see through a setback, but what you see through scripture is opportunity. scripture is opportunity. scripture is opportunity. It's opportunity maybe for a necessary It's opportunity maybe for a necessary It's opportunity maybe for a necessary ending or it's opportunity for your ending or it's opportunity for your ending or it's opportunity for your relationships to level up if you press relationships to level up if you press relationships to level up if you press through. And that's what we see here.

through. And that's what we see here. through. And that's what we see here. You remember verse five? Look again at You remember verse five? Look again at You remember verse five? Look again at verse five. It says, "In the midst of verse five. It says, "In the midst of verse five. It says, "In the midst of this conflict, the churches were this conflict, the churches were this conflict, the churches were strengthened in the faith and increased strengthened in the faith and increased strengthened in the faith and increased in numbers daily." in numbers daily." in numbers daily." That that Greek word for strengthened in That that Greek word for strengthened in That that Greek word for strengthened in the faith is the idea of being made the faith is the idea of being made the faith is the idea of being made solid. It's like a tree in the midst of solid. It's like a tree in the midst of solid. It's like a tree in the midst of a storm that just goes in deeper and a storm that just goes in deeper and a storm that just goes in deeper and deeper with the roots so that it's deeper with the roots so that it's deeper with the roots so that it's solid. Conflict is opportunity to make solid. Conflict is opportunity to make solid. Conflict is opportunity to make your relationships solid. And that's your relationships solid. And that's your relationships solid. And that's what we see here with Paul. what we see here with Paul. what we see here with Paul. So, the first is that there's we see So, the first is that there's we see So, the first is that there's we see conflict as opportunity for conflict as opportunity for conflict as opportunity for discipleship. But but for here from here discipleship. But but for here from here discipleship. But but for here from here Paul keeps moving and remember God Paul keeps moving and remember God Paul keeps moving and remember God steers a moving ship. So as he's moving steers a moving ship. So as he's moving steers a moving ship. So as he's moving a lot of steer a steering is about to go a lot of steer a steering is about to go a lot of steer a steering is about to go down and the second setback or the down and the second setback or the down and the second setback or the second change we see is that God guides second change we see is that God guides second change we see is that God guides through opening and closing doors. through opening and closing doors. through opening and closing doors. God guides through opening and closing God guides through opening and closing God guides through opening and closing doors. Let's pick it up Acts 16 in verse doors. Let's pick it up Acts 16 in verse doors. Let's pick it up Acts 16 in verse six.

six. six. Verse six and says Verse six and says Verse six and says and they went through the region of and they went through the region of and they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia Phrygia and Galatia Phrygia and Galatia having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. to speak the word in Asia. to speak the word in Asia. Verse seven. And when they had come up Verse seven. And when they had come up Verse seven. And when they had come up to Mysia they attempted to go into to Mysia they attempted to go into to Mysia they attempted to go into Bithynia but the spirit of Jesus did not Bithynia but the spirit of Jesus did not Bithynia but the spirit of Jesus did not allow them. allow them. allow them. So passing by Mysia they went down to So passing by Mysia they went down to So passing by Mysia they went down to Troas. Troas. Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the And a vision appeared to Paul in the And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia was standing night. A man of Macedonia was standing night. A man of Macedonia was standing there urging him saying come over to there urging him saying come over to there urging him saying come over to Macedonia and help us. Macedonia and help us. Macedonia and help us. And when Paul had seen the vision And when Paul had seen the vision And when Paul had seen the vision immediately we sought to go go on into immediately we sought to go go on into immediately we sought to go go on into Macedonia concluding that God had called Macedonia concluding that God had called Macedonia concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. us to preach the gospel to them. us to preach the gospel to them. All right. So what's happening here? All right. So what's happening here? All right. So what's happening here? They're moving. They're going okay we They're moving. They're going okay we They're moving. They're going okay we got our new team. We're ready to go and got our new team. We're ready to go and got our new team. We're ready to go and Paul's motivated. He goes all right Paul's motivated. He goes all right Paul's motivated. He goes all right let's go to Asia specifically Asia Minor let's go to Asia specifically Asia Minor let's go to Asia specifically Asia Minor where there's this city Ephesus. He goes where there's this city Ephesus. He goes where there's this city Ephesus. He goes we can get to Ephesus the gospel can we can get to Ephesus the gospel can we can get to Ephesus the gospel can explode. And so he starts to move and explode. And so he starts to move and explode. And so he starts to move and verse six says the spirit verse six says the spirit verse six says the spirit forbid him from going to Asia.

forbid him from going to Asia. forbid him from going to Asia. Now how how did that happen? Was it Now how how did that happen? Was it Now how how did that happen? Was it circumstantial? Was it a dream? An circumstantial? Was it a dream? An circumstantial? Was it a dream? An impression? We don't know. But he goes impression? We don't know. But he goes impression? We don't know. But he goes all right all right loud and clear. So all right all right loud and clear. So all right all right loud and clear. So he turns north. He starts going up to he turns north. He starts going up to he turns north. He starts going up to Bithynia and says the spirit of Jesus Bithynia and says the spirit of Jesus Bithynia and says the spirit of Jesus did not allow him to go. Again we don't did not allow him to go. Again we don't did not allow him to go. Again we don't know how but somehow he didn't. So they know how but somehow he didn't. So they know how but somehow he didn't. So they go to this town Troas and there Paul go to this town Troas and there Paul go to this town Troas and there Paul just goes to sleep. just goes to sleep. just goes to sleep. And as he goes to sleep, he has a vision And as he goes to sleep, he has a vision And as he goes to sleep, he has a vision of a man from Macedonia, which is across of a man from Macedonia, which is across of a man from Macedonia, which is across the sea, urging him saying, "Come and the sea, urging him saying, "Come and the sea, urging him saying, "Come and help us." help us." help us." And Paul wakes up from that vision and And Paul wakes up from that vision and And Paul wakes up from that vision and he goes, "I know exactly where we're he goes, "I know exactly where we're he goes, "I know exactly where we're supposed to go." And he gets on a ship supposed to go." And he gets on a ship supposed to go." And he gets on a ship and he makes his way to Macedonia. and he makes his way to Macedonia. and he makes his way to Macedonia. The interesting here in this section, we The interesting here in this section, we The interesting here in this section, we see the next two cards. see the next two cards. see the next two cards. Right? He's wanting to go to Asia. He's Right? He's wanting to go to Asia. He's Right? He's wanting to go to Asia. He's wanting to pursue what seems right and wanting to pursue what seems right and wanting to pursue what seems right and God says, "No. I don't want you to go." God says, "No. I don't want you to go." God says, "No. I don't want you to go." I thought about in life, how how many I thought about in life, how how many I thought about in life, how how many times are you wanting to do the right times are you wanting to do the right times are you wanting to do the right thing? thing? thing? Right, right, you're you're working so Right, right, you're you're working so Right, right, you're you're working so hard in school, you've got that one hard in school, you've got that one hard in school, you've got that one university in mind. I just want to get university in mind. I just want to get university in mind. I just want to get there and you work, work, work, you get there and you work, work, work, you get there and you work, work, work, you get the right scores, you do the right the right scores, you do the right the right scores, you do the right thing, you submit the application, you thing, you submit the application, you thing, you submit the application, you get the email and get the email and get the email and "We're sorry. You're rejected from "We're sorry. You're rejected from "We're sorry. You're rejected from coming here."

coming here." coming here." Or you want to do dating the right way, Or you want to do dating the right way, Or you want to do dating the right way, right? And so you're dating the right right? And so you're dating the right right? And so you're dating the right people, you're going after them, you're people, you're going after them, you're people, you're going after them, you're trying to do it, you finally get the trying to do it, you finally get the trying to do it, you finally get the right relationship, it's going great, right relationship, it's going great, right relationship, it's going great, you're calling your mom, "Oh, I think you're calling your mom, "Oh, I think you're calling your mom, "Oh, I think he's the one." And then you get the he's the one." And then you get the he's the one." And then you get the text, "Hey, can we talk? text, "Hey, can we talk? text, "Hey, can we talk? It's not you, it's me, right?" It's not you, it's me, right?" It's not you, it's me, right?" Or maybe it's job. Someone said, "Yes." Or maybe it's job. Someone said, "Yes." Or maybe it's job. Someone said, "Yes." Okay, then we'll talk after. Okay, then we'll talk after. Okay, then we'll talk after. Uh Uh Uh You know, maybe it's your job. You You know, maybe it's your job. You You know, maybe it's your job. You finally get the job that you love, it's finally get the job that you love, it's finally get the job that you love, it's working out and then they you get called working out and then they you get called working out and then they you get called into a meeting with HR, "It's not into a meeting with HR, "It's not into a meeting with HR, "It's not working." working." working." Or or maybe it's pregnancy test after Or or maybe it's pregnancy test after Or or maybe it's pregnancy test after pregnancy test after pregnancy test. pregnancy test after pregnancy test. pregnancy test after pregnancy test. It's a lot like this. It's a lot like this. It's a lot like this. And so you keep praying and you keep And so you keep praying and you keep And so you keep praying and you keep going and maybe God eventually answers going and maybe God eventually answers going and maybe God eventually answers the prayer the prayer the prayer and then when he answers the prayer, it and then when he answers the prayer, it and then when he answers the prayer, it looks a lot like this. Uno reverse. looks a lot like this. Uno reverse. looks a lot like this. Uno reverse. You're like, "Okay, wow, I got into a You're like, "Okay, wow, I got into a You're like, "Okay, wow, I got into a university, but it's not the one I would university, but it's not the one I would university, but it's not the one I would have chosen." have chosen." have chosen." Or or I got I finally got the job of my Or or I got I finally got the job of my Or or I got I finally got the job of my dreams, but now I have to move. Or the dreams, but now I have to move. Or the dreams, but now I have to move. Or the person finally asked me out, but the person finally asked me out, but the person finally asked me out, but the timing's weird. Or the pregnancy test is timing's weird. Or the pregnancy test is timing's weird. Or the pregnancy test is it's good, but yet it's twins, or more.

it's good, but yet it's twins, or more. it's good, but yet it's twins, or more. Or adoption, or something else, right? Or adoption, or something else, right? Or adoption, or something else, right? God often times gives us the Uno God often times gives us the Uno God often times gives us the Uno reverse. We go, "Thank you, but I didn't reverse. We go, "Thank you, but I didn't reverse. We go, "Thank you, but I didn't see that coming." And that's what see that coming." And that's what see that coming." And that's what happens here. Here's the key though. happens here. Here's the key though. happens here. Here's the key though. Notice who's writing this story. In Notice who's writing this story. In Notice who's writing this story. In verse six it says, "The Holy Spirit verse six it says, "The Holy Spirit verse six it says, "The Holy Spirit forbid." In verse seven it says, "The forbid." In verse seven it says, "The forbid." In verse seven it says, "The Spirit of Jesus forbid." In verses nine Spirit of Jesus forbid." In verses nine Spirit of Jesus forbid." In verses nine and 10, there's a vision and he says, and 10, there's a vision and he says, and 10, there's a vision and he says, "I'm called by God to Macedonia." God is "I'm called by God to Macedonia." God is "I'm called by God to Macedonia." God is the one weaving together this story. And the one weaving together this story. And the one weaving together this story. And here's the question that I have for you here's the question that I have for you here's the question that I have for you this morning. this morning. this morning. In the midst of the open and closed In the midst of the open and closed In the midst of the open and closed doors that all of us experience in life, doors that all of us experience in life, doors that all of us experience in life, are you asking God? Are you asking the are you asking God? Are you asking the are you asking God? Are you asking the Holy Spirit in the midst of that closed Holy Spirit in the midst of that closed Holy Spirit in the midst of that closed door, "God, are you in this?" door, "God, are you in this?" door, "God, are you in this?" I remember when my son, Jet, was born I remember when my son, Jet, was born I remember when my son, Jet, was born back in March, three months ago. back in March, three months ago. back in March, three months ago. Uh Uh Uh everything about the pregnancy was everything about the pregnancy was everything about the pregnancy was great, the delivery was fast because it great, the delivery was fast because it great, the delivery was fast because it was a fourth kid, and he ended up was a fourth kid, and he ended up was a fourth kid, and he ended up swallowing a lot of fluid and and I swallowing a lot of fluid and and I swallowing a lot of fluid and and I remember after he was born for about 45 remember after he was born for about 45 remember after he was born for about 45 seconds we're just trying to just kind seconds we're just trying to just kind seconds we're just trying to just kind of waiting for him to breathe. That's a of waiting for him to breathe. That's a of waiting for him to breathe. That's a long 45 seconds to wait. They're long 45 seconds to wait. They're long 45 seconds to wait. They're suctioning stuff out, they're trying to suctioning stuff out, they're trying to suctioning stuff out, they're trying to get him, hitting him, and then finally get him, hitting him, and then finally get him, hitting him, and then finally he breathes. He coughs and kind of he breathes. He coughs and kind of he breathes. He coughs and kind of breathes, we're like, "Okay."

breathes, we're like, "Okay." breathes, we're like, "Okay." And then they watch his breathing and And then they watch his breathing and And then they watch his breathing and they can see all these kind of they can see all these kind of they can see all these kind of chest retractions, like he's trying chest retractions, like he's trying chest retractions, like he's trying really hard to breathe, and they go, really hard to breathe, and they go, really hard to breathe, and they go, "Hey, we want to monitor him in the "Hey, we want to monitor him in the "Hey, we want to monitor him in the nursery nursery nursery and potentially send him to the NICU." and potentially send him to the NICU." and potentially send him to the NICU." Now, part of my story is my for my wife Now, part of my story is my for my wife Now, part of my story is my for my wife and I, my son, my second born, spent the and I, my son, my second born, spent the and I, my son, my second born, spent the first few weeks of his life in the NICU first few weeks of his life in the NICU first few weeks of his life in the NICU and we kind of had a little PTSD of and we kind of had a little PTSD of and we kind of had a little PTSD of like, "Man, we just don't want to go like, "Man, we just don't want to go like, "Man, we just don't want to go back. Lord, whatever it is, make it not back. Lord, whatever it is, make it not back. Lord, whatever it is, make it not the NICU, just for us." And so when they the NICU, just for us." And so when they the NICU, just for us." And so when they said, "He's going to the NICU," I said, "He's going to the NICU," I said, "He's going to the NICU," I fought. I was like, "No, no, no, just fought. I was like, "No, no, no, just fought. I was like, "No, no, no, just let him breathe for a little long, just let him breathe for a little long, just let him breathe for a little long, just you know," and I'm just fighting, you know," and I'm just fighting, you know," and I'm just fighting, fighting, fighting, and finally they go, fighting, fighting, and finally they go, fighting, fighting, and finally they go, "Mr. Moffitt, he needs to go." They send "Mr. Moffitt, he needs to go." They send "Mr. Moffitt, he needs to go." They send him to the NICU, they put a feeding tube him to the NICU, they put a feeding tube him to the NICU, they put a feeding tube down his throat, they hook him to all down his throat, they hook him to all down his throat, they hook him to all the machines, everything I hated. I the machines, everything I hated. I the machines, everything I hated. I think we have a picture. Everything I think we have a picture. Everything I think we have a picture. Everything I hated from my second-born son. I just hated from my second-born son. I just hated from my second-born son. I just remember I'm just crying looking at that remember I'm just crying looking at that remember I'm just crying looking at that and and and we go back to the room and and I just we go back to the room and and I just we go back to the room and and I just vent to my wife. I'm just let letting vent to my wife. I'm just let letting vent to my wife. I'm just let letting her have it, the hospital. God, I'm just her have it, the hospital. God, I'm just her have it, the hospital. God, I'm just mad. And my wife said something. She mad. And my wife said something. She mad. And my wife said something. She just looked at me. She goes, "Tyler," in just looked at me. She goes, "Tyler," in just looked at me. She goes, "Tyler," in tears, "I just need to know you're being tears, "I just need to know you're being tears, "I just need to know you're being led by the spirit right now."

led by the spirit right now." led by the spirit right now." Man, it just hit me like a punch to the Man, it just hit me like a punch to the Man, it just hit me like a punch to the gut. gut. gut. It humbled me and we just went over and It humbled me and we just went over and It humbled me and we just went over and hugged her and said, "You're right. I'm hugged her and said, "You're right. I'm hugged her and said, "You're right. I'm not even considering God. I'm just mad." not even considering God. I'm just mad." not even considering God. I'm just mad." We just prayed Psalm 73, "Whom have we We just prayed Psalm 73, "Whom have we We just prayed Psalm 73, "Whom have we in heaven but you? There's nothing on in heaven but you? There's nothing on in heaven but you? There's nothing on earth we desire beside you. Jet's heart earth we desire beside you. Jet's heart earth we desire beside you. Jet's heart and his flesh may fail, but God be the and his flesh may fail, but God be the and his flesh may fail, but God be the strength of our heart and portion strength of our heart and portion strength of our heart and portion forever. As for us, it's just good to be forever. As for us, it's just good to be forever. As for us, it's just good to be near God." near God." near God." And it's interesting that that NICU stay And it's interesting that that NICU stay And it's interesting that that NICU stay was much shorter than my other son, but was much shorter than my other son, but was much shorter than my other son, but they found something during that that they found something during that that they found something during that that we're so grateful that they found. God we're so grateful that they found. God we're so grateful that they found. God was weaving something together that we was weaving something together that we was weaving something together that we didn't know. didn't know. didn't know. I want to just lovingly ask you, cuz all I want to just lovingly ask you, cuz all I want to just lovingly ask you, cuz all of us have open and closed doors, but of us have open and closed doors, but of us have open and closed doors, but some of us some of us some of us you've had a a door close in your life you've had a a door close in your life you've had a a door close in your life that's caused a lot of pain, that's that's caused a lot of pain, that's that's caused a lot of pain, that's caused a lot of hurt, that's caused a caused a lot of hurt, that's caused a caused a lot of hurt, that's caused a lot of embarrassment. lot of embarrassment. lot of embarrassment. And I just want to press, have you in And I just want to press, have you in And I just want to press, have you in that moment asked God, "What are you that moment asked God, "What are you that moment asked God, "What are you doing in this?" doing in this?" doing in this?" And he may reveal it or he may not. But And he may reveal it or he may not. But And he may reveal it or he may not. But as I look back on my story and biblical as I look back on my story and biblical as I look back on my story and biblical history, history, history, God is weaving together a picture we God is weaving together a picture we God is weaving together a picture we rarely can see the fullness of. One day rarely can see the fullness of. One day rarely can see the fullness of. One day in heaven we will.

in heaven we will. in heaven we will. But the spirit is weaving. Will you But the spirit is weaving. Will you But the spirit is weaving. Will you trust him? Will you acknowledge him? trust him? Will you acknowledge him? trust him? Will you acknowledge him? The first is that God uses conflict as The first is that God uses conflict as The first is that God uses conflict as opportunity for discipleship. The second opportunity for discipleship. The second opportunity for discipleship. The second is God guides through opening and is God guides through opening and is God guides through opening and closing doors, and then number three, closing doors, and then number three, closing doors, and then number three, lastly, lastly, lastly, is God turns detours into divine is God turns detours into divine is God turns detours into divine appointments. appointments. appointments. God turns detours into divine God turns detours into divine God turns detours into divine appointments. appointments. appointments. So, if you remember Paul's vision, So, if you remember Paul's vision, So, if you remember Paul's vision, he he's he sees, while he's sleeping, a he he's he sees, while he's sleeping, a he he's he sees, while he's sleeping, a man from Macedonia who's standing up, man from Macedonia who's standing up, man from Macedonia who's standing up, and he's urging he's like asking for and he's urging he's like asking for and he's urging he's like asking for help. So, when Paul makes his way across help. So, when Paul makes his way across help. So, when Paul makes his way across the sea, you know he's looking for this the sea, you know he's looking for this the sea, you know he's looking for this man, and and let's see what he finds. man, and and let's see what he finds. man, and and let's see what he finds. Look at verse 11. Look at verse 11. Look at verse 11. It says, "So, setting sail from Troas, It says, "So, setting sail from Troas, It says, "So, setting sail from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace. we made a direct voyage to Samothrace. we made a direct voyage to Samothrace. And the following day to Neapolis, and And the following day to Neapolis, and And the following day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi." He is on a from there to Philippi." He is on a from there to Philippi." He is on a mission. He's going. mission. He's going. mission. He's going. "Which is the leading city in the "Which is the leading city in the "Which is the leading city in the district of Macedonia and a Roman district of Macedonia and a Roman district of Macedonia and a Roman colony."

colony." colony." And then he said, "We remained in this And then he said, "We remained in this And then he said, "We remained in this city some days." And found the person city some days." And found the person city some days." And found the person yet. yet. yet. Verse 13. Verse 13. Verse 13. "And on the Sabbath day we went outside "And on the Sabbath day we went outside "And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside where we the gate to the riverside where we the gate to the riverside where we supposed there was a place of prayer. supposed there was a place of prayer. supposed there was a place of prayer. And we sat down, and we spoke to the And we sat down, and we spoke to the And we sat down, and we spoke to the women who had come together. women who had come together. women who had come together. And one who heard us was a woman named And one who heard us was a woman named And one who heard us was a woman named Lydia from the city of Thyatira, a Lydia from the city of Thyatira, a Lydia from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods who was a seller of purple goods who was a seller of purple goods who was a worshiper of God. worshiper of God. worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay The Lord opened her heart to pay The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. attention to what was said by Paul. attention to what was said by Paul. And afterwards she was baptized and her And afterwards she was baptized and her And afterwards she was baptized and her household as well. And she urged us household as well. And she urged us household as well. And she urged us saying, "If you have judged me to be saying, "If you have judged me to be saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house faithful to the Lord, come to my house faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay." And she prevailed upon us. and stay." And she prevailed upon us. and stay." And she prevailed upon us. So, Paul's on mission So, Paul's on mission So, Paul's on mission to get to Macedonia. I think we have a a to get to Macedonia. I think we have a a to get to Macedonia. I think we have a a map of kind of his journey. And uh you map of kind of his journey. And uh you map of kind of his journey. And uh you see there at the top left, there's see there at the top left, there's see there at the top left, there's Troas, and then he sets sail. It's like Troas, and then he sets sail. It's like Troas, and then he sets sail. It's like a pretty big journey to get all the way a pretty big journey to get all the way a pretty big journey to get all the way up north to Neapolis and to Philippi, up north to Neapolis and to Philippi, up north to Neapolis and to Philippi, but he's on a mission. It It normally but he's on a mission. It It normally but he's on a mission. It It normally would take a sailor 5 days. It took him would take a sailor 5 days. It took him would take a sailor 5 days. It took him 2 days. The wind is at his back. He's 2 days. The wind is at his back. He's 2 days. The wind is at his back. He's feeling favor. He's going, "I got to feeling favor. He's going, "I got to feeling favor. He's going, "I got to find this man."

find this man." find this man." He gets there. There's no synagogue. He gets there. There's no synagogue. He gets there. There's no synagogue. Then he's trying to find who this man is Then he's trying to find who this man is Then he's trying to find who this man is that's urging and he hears of a a place that's urging and he hears of a a place that's urging and he hears of a a place of prayer. of prayer. of prayer. You can just imagine Paul going, "All You can just imagine Paul going, "All You can just imagine Paul going, "All right." And he storms into the place and right." And he storms into the place and right." And he storms into the place and what does he see? what does he see? what does he see? A bunch of women sitting A bunch of women sitting A bunch of women sitting and praying. and praying. and praying. And yet he's faithful. He shares the And yet he's faithful. He shares the And yet he's faithful. He shares the gospel to them. And then Lydia, this one gospel to them. And then Lydia, this one gospel to them. And then Lydia, this one woman, her heart is open to receive the woman, her heart is open to receive the woman, her heart is open to receive the good news of the gospel. And then she good news of the gospel. And then she good news of the gospel. And then she not only gets baptized, but she tells not only gets baptized, but she tells not only gets baptized, but she tells her household. And then she tells Paul, her household. And then she tells Paul, her household. And then she tells Paul, "Hey, I've got a big house. Why don't "Hey, I've got a big house. Why don't "Hey, I've got a big house. Why don't you come stay with me?" you come stay with me?" you come stay with me?" And what you what we see if when we And what you what we see if when we And what you what we see if when we continue reading, a little preview to continue reading, a little preview to continue reading, a little preview to next week, is that next week, is that next week, is that after Paul goes to her house, after Paul goes to her house, after Paul goes to her house, he starts a church in her home. he starts a church in her home. he starts a church in her home. And the church of Philippi, where the And the church of Philippi, where the And the church of Philippi, where the letter of Philippians is written, starts letter of Philippians is written, starts letter of Philippians is written, starts right there. And all of Europe will right there. And all of Europe will right there. And all of Europe will begin to hear the good news of Jesus. begin to hear the good news of Jesus. begin to hear the good news of Jesus. See See, this is God's version of the See See, this is God's version of the See See, this is God's version of the draw four wild.

draw four wild. draw four wild. You know, You know, You know, Paul had in his mind one man who's going Paul had in his mind one man who's going Paul had in his mind one man who's going to hear and receive the gospel. And Paul to hear and receive the gospel. And Paul to hear and receive the gospel. And Paul God goes, "Man, I got so much more. God goes, "Man, I got so much more. God goes, "Man, I got so much more. There's a women's prayer breakfast There's a women's prayer breakfast There's a women's prayer breakfast that's meeting right now that needs to that's meeting right now that needs to that's meeting right now that needs to hear you. hear you. hear you. And not only that, Lydia's going to hear And not only that, Lydia's going to hear And not only that, Lydia's going to hear the gospel in her household and a church the gospel in her household and a church the gospel in her household and a church is going to start that's going to impact is going to start that's going to impact is going to start that's going to impact all of Europe. all of Europe. all of Europe. W- Where is God wanting to use you for W- Where is God wanting to use you for W- Where is God wanting to use you for beyond what you can ask or imagine? beyond what you can ask or imagine? beyond what you can ask or imagine? And where maybe are you Lydia? I mean, And where maybe are you Lydia? I mean, And where maybe are you Lydia? I mean, just think about Lydia. Lydia it says just think about Lydia. Lydia it says just think about Lydia. Lydia it says she's a seller of purple goods, which she's a seller of purple goods, which she's a seller of purple goods, which means she's wealthy. Purple goods were means she's wealthy. Purple goods were means she's wealthy. Purple goods were rare, so she's a seller of rare things, rare, so she's a seller of rare things, rare, so she's a seller of rare things, Rolex watches in our day. And she's got Rolex watches in our day. And she's got Rolex watches in our day. And she's got a big home and yet she's at a prayer a big home and yet she's at a prayer a big home and yet she's at a prayer gathering. It's not working for her. gathering. It's not working for her. gathering. It's not working for her. She's She's money, she's got resources, She's She's money, she's got resources, She's She's money, she's got resources, and yet she's longing for more of God and yet she's longing for more of God and yet she's longing for more of God and and something in her and then Paul and and something in her and then Paul and and something in her and then Paul comes and tells her about Jesus and she comes and tells her about Jesus and she comes and tells her about Jesus and she goes, "That's it. That's it." goes, "That's it. That's it." goes, "That's it. That's it." Reminds me of something that happened Reminds me of something that happened Reminds me of something that happened yesterday. yesterday. yesterday. So, yesterday I'm I'm going to get my So, yesterday I'm I'm going to get my So, yesterday I'm I'm going to get my haircut and then the guy that I normally haircut and then the guy that I normally haircut and then the guy that I normally get a haircut with was unavailable, so I get a haircut with was unavailable, so I get a haircut with was unavailable, so I just go to the to the place and I click just go to the to the place and I click just go to the to the place and I click the first available link. And so, I I the first available link. And so, I I the first available link. And so, I I get linked up with this guy, Isaiah, and get linked up with this guy, Isaiah, and get linked up with this guy, Isaiah, and he asked me my story, I ask him his, and he asked me my story, I ask him his, and he asked me my story, I ask him his, and and I drop that I'm a pastor thing, and and I drop that I'm a pastor thing, and and I drop that I'm a pastor thing, and which always I always wonder, "Where's which always I always wonder, "Where's which always I always wonder, "Where's this going to go from here?"

this going to go from here?" this going to go from here?" And so, he listens and we're talking and And so, he listens and we're talking and And so, he listens and we're talking and then he goes, "So, you're a pastor." then he goes, "So, you're a pastor." then he goes, "So, you're a pastor." He goes, "Do you ever give relationship He goes, "Do you ever give relationship He goes, "Do you ever give relationship advice?" And I was like, "Lay it on me, advice?" And I was like, "Lay it on me, advice?" And I was like, "Lay it on me, bro. Come on." bro. Come on." bro. Come on." So, he starts going through. He's like, So, he starts going through. He's like, So, he starts going through. He's like, "Man, I was dating this girl, I really "Man, I was dating this girl, I really "Man, I was dating this girl, I really like her, but we broke up, and like, like her, but we broke up, and like, like her, but we broke up, and like, what do I do?" what do I do?" what do I do?" I so, I'm asking him questions, we're I so, I'm asking him questions, we're I so, I'm asking him questions, we're talking back and forth, and finally I talking back and forth, and finally I talking back and forth, and finally I go, "Isaiah, can I be honest with you?" go, "Isaiah, can I be honest with you?" go, "Isaiah, can I be honest with you?" Like, Like, Like, "I know I'm a pastor, so I have to ask "I know I'm a pastor, so I have to ask "I know I'm a pastor, so I have to ask this, but this, but this, but it is like religion and is it important it is like religion and is it important it is like religion and is it important and like, is Jesus the center of your and like, is Jesus the center of your and like, is Jesus the center of your relationship?" relationship?" relationship?" And he goes, "You know, it's so wild you And he goes, "You know, it's so wild you And he goes, "You know, it's so wild you say that. The reason she broke up with say that. The reason she broke up with say that. The reason she broke up with me is because I wasn't religious." me is because I wasn't religious." me is because I wasn't religious." I was like, "Really? Tell me more about I was like, "Really? Tell me more about I was like, "Really? Tell me more about that." And he goes through and we're that." And he goes through and we're that." And he goes through and we're talking back and forth. I go, "Man, how talking back and forth. I go, "Man, how talking back and forth. I go, "Man, how wild is it? Like, I wasn't supposed to wild is it? Like, I wasn't supposed to wild is it? Like, I wasn't supposed to see you. I'm supposed to see my other see you. I'm supposed to see my other see you. I'm supposed to see my other guy. I just happened to be here and I guy. I just happened to be here and I guy. I just happened to be here and I said I I'm a pastor and you you're said I I'm a pastor and you you're said I I'm a pastor and you you're wondering things about faith. Like, wondering things about faith. Like, wondering things about faith. Like, would you be willing to talk about it?" would you be willing to talk about it?" would you be willing to talk about it?" He's like, "I'd love to." I said, "Not He's like, "I'd love to." I said, "Not He's like, "I'd love to." I said, "Not only that, I'm preaching a sermon only that, I'm preaching a sermon only that, I'm preaching a sermon tomorrow at a church called Watermark.

tomorrow at a church called Watermark. tomorrow at a church called Watermark. Would you come?" And he's like, "I work Would you come?" And he's like, "I work Would you come?" And he's like, "I work at 10." I'm like, "Mhm, that's tough. at 10." I'm like, "Mhm, that's tough. at 10." I'm like, "Mhm, that's tough. You can you can be late, right? You You can you can be late, right? You You can you can be late, right? You know? So, we'll see, Isaiah, if you came know? So, we'll see, Isaiah, if you came know? So, we'll see, Isaiah, if you came to the 9, that'd be amazing. But, uh he to the 9, that'd be amazing. But, uh he to the 9, that'd be amazing. But, uh he said, "Can I get your number?" And we said, "Can I get your number?" And we said, "Can I get your number?" And we you know, we're just going to text. Who you know, we're just going to text. Who you know, we're just going to text. Who knows? But, here's what I realized, knows? But, here's what I realized, knows? But, here's what I realized, like, like, like, what seems like a detour for me or for what seems like a detour for me or for what seems like a detour for me or for Isaiah is a divine appointment. And it's Isaiah is a divine appointment. And it's Isaiah is a divine appointment. And it's happening in your life and in mine all happening in your life and in mine all happening in your life and in mine all the time if we have eyes to see it. The the time if we have eyes to see it. The the time if we have eyes to see it. The beauty of this passage is it says that beauty of this passage is it says that beauty of this passage is it says that God opened Lydia's eyes to see God opened Lydia's eyes to see God opened Lydia's eyes to see God is the one weaving this story God is the one weaving this story God is the one weaving this story together. together. together. The reality is that is the the punchline The reality is that is the the punchline The reality is that is the the punchline of the whole thing. of the whole thing. of the whole thing. See, as great as this story is, this See, as great as this story is, this See, as great as this story is, this story is actually pointing us. It's like story is actually pointing us. It's like story is actually pointing us. It's like churning towards something greater or churning towards something greater or churning towards something greater or really someone greater. Each of these really someone greater. Each of these really someone greater. Each of these themes ultimately find their fulfillment themes ultimately find their fulfillment themes ultimately find their fulfillment in Jesus. Just think about it. in Jesus. Just think about it. in Jesus. Just think about it. The the first that conflict is The the first that conflict is The the first that conflict is opportunity for discipleship, Jesus in opportunity for discipleship, Jesus in opportunity for discipleship, Jesus in heaven saw conflict with us as heaven saw conflict with us as heaven saw conflict with us as opportunity to press in.

opportunity to press in. opportunity to press in. I mean, we were far from God, I mean, we were far from God, I mean, we were far from God, rebelling against the God of the rebelling against the God of the rebelling against the God of the universe, and Jesus didn't stay. universe, and Jesus didn't stay. universe, and Jesus didn't stay. He pressed in. He pressed in. He pressed in. Long passage, but look at 2 Corinthians Long passage, but look at 2 Corinthians Long passage, but look at 2 Corinthians 5. Let's read this. 5. Let's read this. 5. Let's read this. It says, "Therefore, if anyone is in It says, "Therefore, if anyone is in It says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ now, he's a new creation. Why? Christ now, he's a new creation. Why? Christ now, he's a new creation. Why? The old has passed away, and new has The old has passed away, and new has The old has passed away, and new has come. come. come. All this is from God, who through Christ All this is from God, who through Christ All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us now reconciled us to himself and gave us now reconciled us to himself and gave us now the ministry of reconciliation. the ministry of reconciliation. the ministry of reconciliation. That is in Christ, God was reconciling That is in Christ, God was reconciling That is in Christ, God was reconciling to the world himself, to the world himself, to the world himself, not counting their trespasses against not counting their trespasses against not counting their trespasses against them, them, them, and entrusting to us the message of and entrusting to us the message of and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation." Verse 20. reconciliation." Verse 20. reconciliation." Verse 20. "Therefore, we are now ambassadors for "Therefore, we are now ambassadors for "Therefore, we are now ambassadors for Christ, Christ, Christ, God making his appeal through us. God making his appeal through us. God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be We implore you on behalf of Christ, be We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." reconciled to God." reconciled to God." Jesus reconciled with us when we were Jesus reconciled with us when we were Jesus reconciled with us when we were far off, he pushed in to conflict.

far off, he pushed in to conflict. far off, he pushed in to conflict. Not only that, but Jesus followed his Not only that, but Jesus followed his Not only that, but Jesus followed his father's his father's guidance even when father's his father's guidance even when father's his father's guidance even when it was difficult. it was difficult. it was difficult. This this This this This this passage, the night before Jesus died, do passage, the night before Jesus died, do passage, the night before Jesus died, do you ever think about that moment? Right you ever think about that moment? Right you ever think about that moment? Right before the cross, when Jesus is praying before the cross, when Jesus is praying before the cross, when Jesus is praying to his father in the garden, and what is to his father in the garden, and what is to his father in the garden, and what is he asking? he asking? he asking? He's saying, "God, I don't want the door He's saying, "God, I don't want the door He's saying, "God, I don't want the door that you've opened for me. that you've opened for me. that you've opened for me. Is there any other door? Is there any other door? Is there any other door? Like, close the cross door, cuz I don't Like, close the cross door, cuz I don't Like, close the cross door, cuz I don't want this." Jesus. want this." Jesus. want this." Jesus. Look at Luke 22, verse 41. Look at Luke 22, verse 41. Look at Luke 22, verse 41. Jesus withdrew from them about a stone's Jesus withdrew from them about a stone's Jesus withdrew from them about a stone's throw, knelt down, and prayed, saying, throw, knelt down, and prayed, saying, throw, knelt down, and prayed, saying, "Father, if you are willing, remove this "Father, if you are willing, remove this "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. cup from me. cup from me. Nevertheless, Nevertheless, Nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done." not my will, but yours be done." not my will, but yours be done." I'm Father, I don't want this, but I I'm Father, I don't want this, but I I'm Father, I don't want this, but I trust you. trust you. trust you. And so, whatever you say, I will obey. And so, whatever you say, I will obey. And so, whatever you say, I will obey. And then, number three, Jesus turned And then, number three, Jesus turned And then, number three, Jesus turned what looked like a detour what looked like a detour what looked like a detour into the greatest divine appointment of into the greatest divine appointment of into the greatest divine appointment of all time.

all time. all time. I mean, the cross made no sense to those I mean, the cross made no sense to those I mean, the cross made no sense to those who were experiencing it real time. who were experiencing it real time. who were experiencing it real time. That's why all the disciples fled. That's why all the disciples fled. That's why all the disciples fled. That's why everybody's leaving Jesus. That's why everybody's leaving Jesus. That's why everybody's leaving Jesus. And yet, it's at the cross And yet, it's at the cross And yet, it's at the cross where all of history turned. where all of history turned. where all of history turned. The climax moment, it's why your watch The climax moment, it's why your watch The climax moment, it's why your watch says 2026, cuz 2026 years ago, something says 2026, cuz 2026 years ago, something says 2026, cuz 2026 years ago, something crazy happened that completely changed crazy happened that completely changed crazy happened that completely changed the world. And what seemed like so much the world. And what seemed like so much the world. And what seemed like so much loss, what seemed like a detour on loss, what seemed like a detour on loss, what seemed like a detour on redemptive history, is the thing that redemptive history, is the thing that redemptive history, is the thing that changed it forever and magnified the changed it forever and magnified the changed it forever and magnified the name of Jesus. That's why we wear name of Jesus. That's why we wear name of Jesus. That's why we wear crosses around our neck celebrating crosses around our neck celebrating crosses around our neck celebrating something because of what happened. something because of what happened. something because of what happened. Philippians 2 says it this way, "And Philippians 2 says it this way, "And Philippians 2 says it this way, "And Jesus, being found in human form, Jesus, being found in human form, Jesus, being found in human form, humbled themselves by becoming obedient humbled themselves by becoming obedient humbled themselves by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a to the point of death, even death on a to the point of death, even death on a cross. cross. cross. Therefore, God has highly exalted him, Therefore, God has highly exalted him, Therefore, God has highly exalted him, bestowed on him the name that is above bestowed on him the name that is above bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every name, so that at the name of Jesus every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on every knee should bow, in heaven and on every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every earth and under the earth, and every earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.

to the glory of God the Father. to the glory of God the Father. The gospel what Henry told us at the The gospel what Henry told us at the The gospel what Henry told us at the beginning beginning beginning that Jesus died because so that you that Jesus died because so that you that Jesus died because so that you didn't have to didn't have to didn't have to is the good news that we can be is the good news that we can be is the good news that we can be reconciled with God. That if we place reconciled with God. That if we place reconciled with God. That if we place our faith in Jesus, then one day and as our faith in Jesus, then one day and as our faith in Jesus, then one day and as we go through the chaos and struggles of we go through the chaos and struggles of we go through the chaos and struggles of life, we have confident hope that life, we have confident hope that life, we have confident hope that because of a resurrected savior our because of a resurrected savior our because of a resurrected savior our redemption is set. Our eternal hope is redemption is set. Our eternal hope is redemption is set. Our eternal hope is secure. secure. secure. And whatever changes and chaos this life And whatever changes and chaos this life And whatever changes and chaos this life can bring, God is weaving together a can bring, God is weaving together a can bring, God is weaving together a story I cannot see. story I cannot see. story I cannot see. So final question. So final question. So final question. Where is your life not going according Where is your life not going according Where is your life not going according to plan right now? to plan right now? to plan right now? Where do you look and you're frustrated Where do you look and you're frustrated Where do you look and you're frustrated with your health, with your with your health, with your with your health, with your relationships relationships relationships with your job with your job with your job with your finances. with your finances. with your finances. Just go, "Gosh, if this just one thing Just go, "Gosh, if this just one thing Just go, "Gosh, if this just one thing would change. God, why are you making would change. God, why are you making would change. God, why are you making this so difficult?" And maybe today God this so difficult?" And maybe today God this so difficult?" And maybe today God has you here in this moment to has you here in this moment to has you here in this moment to surrender. To sing what we sang earlier, surrender. To sing what we sang earlier, surrender. To sing what we sang earlier, I surrender I surrender I surrender all.

all. all. Even that closed door. Even that closed door. Even that closed door. Even this chaos. Even this chaos. Even this chaos. Even that detour. Even that detour. Even that detour. I surrender. I surrender. I surrender. And to sing like we're going to sing And to sing like we're going to sing And to sing like we're going to sing here in a minute here in a minute here in a minute I trust you. I trust you. I trust you. I really trust you. I really trust you. I really trust you. And maybe for some of us for the first And maybe for some of us for the first And maybe for some of us for the first time today is the day of salvation. To time today is the day of salvation. To time today is the day of salvation. To come at this altar at the end and just come at this altar at the end and just come at this altar at the end and just say, "God, I I need you. I believe in say, "God, I I need you. I believe in say, "God, I I need you. I believe in Jesus. I can't do this on the on my own. Jesus. I can't do this on the on my own. Jesus. I can't do this on the on my own. I receive you into my life and I believe I receive you into my life and I believe I receive you into my life and I believe you're doing something I can't see." you're doing something I can't see." you're doing something I can't see." Let's pray together. Father, thank you that Father, thank you that you never sleep. you never sleep. you never sleep. You never slumber. You never slumber. You never slumber. You are sovereign and fully in control. You are sovereign and fully in control. You are sovereign and fully in control. And God, what feels like And God, what feels like And God, what feels like Uno reverse in our life Uno reverse in our life Uno reverse in our life is you weaving together a plan we can't is you weaving together a plan we can't is you weaving together a plan we can't see. see. see. And the the great picture of that is the And the the great picture of that is the And the the great picture of that is the cross.

cross. cross. What seemed like loss, what seemed like What seemed like loss, what seemed like What seemed like loss, what seemed like a detour, was divine intervention on our a detour, was divine intervention on our a detour, was divine intervention on our behalf to the glory of Jesus and to our behalf to the glory of Jesus and to our behalf to the glory of Jesus and to our salvation. So, God, would you help us salvation. So, God, would you help us salvation. So, God, would you help us believe? believe? believe? Would we sing, I trust in God? Would we sing, I trust in God? Would we sing, I trust in God? And would we be people who mean it And would we be people who mean it And would we be people who mean it because we know our God is good. because we know our God is good. because we know our God is good. We love you. We love you. We love you. We trust you. In Jesus' name. We trust you. In Jesus' name. We trust you. In Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. Amen. Well, would you stand and let's sing Well, would you stand and let's sing Well, would you stand and let's sing this as people who believe that it's this as people who believe that it's this as people who believe that it's true. Let's sing.