The God Who Speaks

God is sovereign over every detail of our lives. He often uses our circumstances, both ordinary and extraordinary, to guide us, open doors, or get our attention. Sometimes what feels like coincidence is in reality his orchestration.

The Book of Acts shows this vividly. When Philip was in Samaria, an angel told him to go south along a desert road:

“And the Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go over and join this chariot.’”
(Acts 8:29)

This led to a “divine appointment” with the Ethiopian official. The man was reading Isaiah but did not understand it. Philip explained the Gospel, and the man believed and was baptized (Acts 8:26–39).

Similarly, Paul’s missionary journeys were shaped by closed and opened doors:

“And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia.”
(Acts 16:6)
“And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there…And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go…”
(Acts 16:9–10)

God may speak through a sudden job opportunity, an unexpected meeting, or a door closing that redirects you. These circumstances don’t always feel comfortable, but they often prove purposeful. It’s important to ask God for wisdom to interpret your circumstances - pray for discernment to know when he is leading through open and closed doors.

Reflection:
Have you experienced a “chance” encounter or change that turned out to be God’s guidance?