Paul’s Mission to Macedonia: How God Guides Global Missions
Global missions have never advanced by human effort alone, but through the Holy Spirit’s divine intervention. From the day of Pentecost to now, the Holy Spirit has breathed life into missions, redirecting, guiding, and sustaining cross-cultural workers through generations.
In Acts 16, Paul, Silas, and their companions planned to preach the gospel in Asia. However, their plans were met with an unexpected obstacle: the Holy Spirit would not permit them to go.
“Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas.” Acts 16:6-8
At the time, this divine disruption must have felt confusing. Why would the Lord block His servants from sharing the gospel in Asia?
But what seemed like a closed door was God’s sovereign redirection. He did not allow them to enter Asia because He had plans for them elsewhere—in Macedonia.
“During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’ After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.” Acts 16:9-10
This Spirit-led mission to Macedonia marked a pivotal moment in church history, as the gospel entered Europe for the first time (Acts 16:13–15). Though Paul and Silas had envisioned a different path, the Lord redirected them according to His greater purpose.
When God Changes the Plan: From Ethiopia to Ecuador
The Holy Spirit still guides cross-cultural missionaries today, redirecting their paths to align with God’s sovereign purposes. David and Diane have experienced this firsthand, witnessing how the Holy Spirit’s guidance has shaped their journey in unexpected ways.
David and Diane currently serve in Ecuador with SIM USA, where they work in theological education and discipleship. But this wasn’t the path they initially envisioned. They originally served in Ethiopia, where they were involved with similar ministry work. However, after six years there, they sensed the Lord redirecting them elsewhere because their ministry focus was no longer being prioritized in Ethiopia. When David and Diane researched areas that were seeking their specific ministry skills, South America caught their attention.
As they learned about ministry opportunities in South America, Bolivia’s stood out after a mentor mentioned a missionary friend who was doing what they wanted to do. Still, the couple remained prayerful and open to the Lord’s leadership as they, along with their SIM USA support staff and their spiritual community, prayed for clear guidance and wise discernment in seeking His will for their future ministry.
The ministry focus in Bolivia aligned closely with their passions, and it seemed like the perfect next step. Filled with anticipation, they started planning a vision trip there, confident they were heading in the right direction.
Then, during a Zoom call with ministry leaders in Bolivia, something unexpected happened.
“What you do is great. It’s really important, and we love doing that here,” one leader said. “But we have enough people doing that right now… maybe you should consider going to Ecuador instead.”
Diane recalls the look of surprise that crossed his face as he spoke.
“It was like the Holy Spirit spoke through him— like he said something he hadn’t planned to say,” Diane said.
The leader quickly tried to reassure them. “I mean, I’m sure we can work something out. We can find a place for you,” he said.
In that moment, David and Diane began to understand that God was leading them to Ecuador. God was speaking through the community around them as they prayed and sought His will together. Through the unexpected words of a trusted partner, the Holy Spirit gently redirected their path, confirming the place He had prepared for them.
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9
Even the Smallest Moments: A Reminder of God’s Faithfulness in the Details
David and Diane have seen God’s guidance and provision not only in major decisions but also in the small details, like being led to an apartment with a beautiful mountain view.
As they searched for an apartment in Ecuador, Diane had a simple prayer request: a home with a mountain view from one of the windows. It was a small, specific request, but she faithfully brought it before the Lord.
To her surprise and delight, God didn’t just answer the request—He exceeded it. The apartment He provided not only had a view of the mountains, but it featured a 17-foot-long window that overlooked the entire city and the mountains beyond.
“It just felt like God heard us,” Diane said. “Like He was saying, ‘I see you, and I’m going to give you 17 feet.’”
This story is a beautiful reminder that God doesn’t just care about the major decisions in our lives. He’s also present in the most minor of details. He is faithful to lead, provide, and show His love in both the big and the seemingly small moments.
We don’t discern His will by looking for signs or “God-winks” but we seek it in community with trusted fellow believers, in His Word, and by trusting Him with our whole hearts in prayer, so that when those special moments of loving care do come—we can praise God for His faithfulness to those who know Him and those who don’t.
“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6-7
God’s Leadership in the Unexpected: How He Led Them Around a Landslide
As David and Diane’s family prepared for a trip back to the United States, they wrestled with a tough decision: when should they leave for the airport? Their city had recently been hit by days of relentless rain, causing landslides and blocking key roads.
The original plan was to take a bus to the airport, arriving four hours before their flight. If everything went smoothly, that would be more than enough time. But with the weather-related road conditions, even a single delay could add hours to their journey and possibly cause them to miss their flight. They began to consider whether they should leave for the airport a day early, just to be safe.
“God, please show us if we should move our departure up by a day or not,” Diane prayed. “I don’t know how you will show us, but that’s my request.”
As the days passed, David and Diane kept their original departure plan, not sensing a need to leave earlier.
Then, two days before their planned departure, their kids asked to visit some friends. While visiting, David and Diane shared their uncertainty about when to leave for the airport. To their surprise, the conversations quickly turned into a clear answer to prayer.
“We actually got caught in a landslide,” the friends explained, recounting how a recent roadblock disrupted their travel plans. Understanding the risks firsthand, the friends jumped into action, making phone calls to gather up-to-date information about the roads and weather.
“What are the options?”
“What can they do?”
“How likely are the busses to safely make it to the airport on time?”
After several phone calls, the friends had a recommendation for David and Diane: “We really think you should go tomorrow instead of the day after.”
Diane saw their advice as God’s response to her prayer. Trusting His leadership through the wisdom and experience of their friends, David and Diane left the next day and stayed at a hotel near the airport for the night.
That night, just as they were settling into their hotel, they received a message from their friends back in their city: a landslide had struck the road to the airport! They later learned that the landslide had completely cut off all exits from the city. Had they waited until the original day to travel, they would have missed their flight entirely.
God faithfully leads and provides for His people, both in the big decisions and the smallest details. Throughout Scripture, we see His consistent guidance: from redirecting Paul to Macedonia, to numbering the very hairs on our heads, to leading David and Diane’s family around a landslide. He is a God who sees us, knows us intimately, and can be trusted to lead us faithfully.
“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.” Psalm 37:23-24
Seeking God’s Direction in Missions? You’re Not Alone
Are you exploring cross-cultural ministry and seeking God’s direction for your life? You don’t have to walk the journey of discernment alone! You can talk with experienced missionaries and mission mobilizers who have answers to your questions about modern global missions, missionary life overseas, international Christian ministry on multicultural teams, and how to discern the right next step of discernment for your journey!
At SIM USA, we’re here to journey with you as you discern where God may be leading you and how your unique gifts can be used in His global mission. Our mission coaches offer prayer, guidance, and ideas about next steps for American believers who are interested in or even just considering missionary work and cross-cultural ministry overseas.
Or, make plans to join us at the next SIM USA Connect event, where potential missionaries, church leaders, and mission mobilizers come together to explore opportunities and ask questions. Experience worship, reflection, and community with others who are seeking God’s guidance in missions, plus spend time with current international workers mobilized in partnership with SIM USA.
You can also connect with a SIM USA mission coach, who will guide you through the next steps of your journey, offering guidance and practical support along the way.
Come join us at SIM USA! From exploring your options to actively serving in cross-cultural ministry, we’ll walk with you every step of the way.
“For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.” Psalm 48:14
Maggie Watts
Content Creator
I am a Content Creator with SIM USA. It is a joy to use writing and multimedia to glorify God and tell stories about how He is working around the world.