August 20, 2021 - Acts 20:1-12

Our family has come to accept that both the expected and unexpected happen during the trips we take. We love to travel and often look forward to the next trip. Frequently, we try to plan ahead and schedule different events into the trip so that we can see people or places along the way. Sometimes changes are made at the last moment and we make a detour to do or see something that was unplanned.

Paul had become a veteran traveler. He had gone thousands of miles taking the message of his Savior to people who had not heard the name of Christ proclaimed. After two years in Ephesus, Paul had determined to revisit some churches in Macedonia, Greece and return to Jerusalem (19:21). Following the riot in Ephesus, Paul sailed across the Aegean Sea to Macedonia where he encouraged the various believers in both Macedonia and Greece.

Being a marked man with a bounty on his head by the Jews, Paul had to be cautious with his travel plans and be willing to adjust and change course. This became necessary when a plot against him was revealed. Instead of traveling by ship he went north through Macedonia once again. While this detour added many days to Paul’s travels it also allowed him the opportunity to preach and teach along the way.

Like Paul, there are many believers who are willing to travel and give their lives presenting the gospel to individuals and communities they do not know. The travel is dangerous and often their lives are in jeopardy as they courageously enter unknown territory. Men and women willingly enter countries to take the message to those who have not heard before. Places in Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and many others openly are hostile to missionaries and representatives of Christ, yet these believers follow the Lord’s direction and go!

Today I will travel in relatively safe places to visit and talk with people, but others will be risking their lives to testify for Christ. Lift up in prayer individuals that you are aware of who are in places of danger. Take a moment and intercede for a family member or an individual that knowingly is entering dangerous situations today. Pray for believers to have the courage to present Jesus, wisdom to discern travel plans and guidance by the Spirit to direct their every step.