Acts 16:13. On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there.
The ministry of Apostle Paul was marked by one consistent pattern—inquiring of the Holy Spirit. Before he and his team ever set out on their first missionary journey, the church at Antioch sought the will of God together in worship, fasting, and prayer:
“Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off” (Acts 13:1–3).
The early church did not move without the Spirit’s command. Every decision, every direction, every mission began with inquiring of the Spirit of God.
Paul continued this same dependence throughout his ministry. He constantly sought what the Spirit desired—not his own plans or ambitions:
“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” (Acts 16:6–7).
At Troas, when the door was closed, Paul prayed so earnestly that he saw a vision revealing where the Spirit wanted him to go—to Macedonia (Acts 16:10). This single moment of prayer and obedience changed the course of world history.
When they arrived in Philippi, the leading city of Macedonia, their first act was not to preach or plan but to find a place of prayer—to inquire once again of the Holy Spirit (Acts 16:13). Even when confronted by the slave girl possessed by an evil spirit, Paul waited patiently for the Spirit’s timing (Acts 16:16–18). He understood that the captain of his team was not him, but the Holy Spirit. Every step was guided from the throne of the Triune God.
King David lived the same way. Though David was a king, he knew that the true King was God, not himself. Before taking any action, he inquired of the Lord:
“When David was told, ‘Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are looting the threshing floors,’ he inquired of the Lord, saying, ‘Shall I go and attack these Philistines?’ The Lord answered him, ‘Go, attack the Philistines and save Keilah.’ But David’s men said to him, ‘Here in Judah we are afraid.’ … Once again, David inquired of the Lord, and the Lord answered him” (1 Samuel 23:1–4).
David acknowledges that the battle belonged to the Lord. The same truth applies to us because:
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)
God’s wisdom is higher, His timing perfect, and His plan eternal. Therefore, before thinking, planning, or acting, inquire of Him. Inquiring of the Holy Spirit is not a sign of weakness—it is the key to a victorious life in Christ:
“The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
The Spirit of God transcends time and space. His power is infinite, and His wisdom beyond measure. One moment of His direction outweighs a lifetime of human effort.
So learn to wait before you move. Be still until He speaks. Seek His will in prayer and through His Word. When you inquire of the Spirit, He will lead you to the exact place, time, and people prepared by God for world evangelization.
Prayer. Father, teach me to stand still before You and to seek Your voice above all else. Help me to wait for the guidance of Your Spirit, not rushing ahead with my own thoughts or plans. Open my eyes to see Your desire and purpose for today, and help me follow where You lead. In Jesus’ name, Amen.