Week 47: November 16-22, 2025 - Getting a Call from God

This week’s daily readings:

November 16-22, 2025

This week’s devotional:

Getting a Call from God

by Rt. Rev. Brian Bethke

Scripture: 

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. 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 16:6–10 (NIV)

Reflection: 

Have you ever had a plan for an aspect of your life, and it turned out the opposite way? Have you ever experienced the “bottom dropping out” when things were going so great? Times like these are tough. They are hard. They are opportunities for God to do amazing things!

The summer of 2007 was the worst! I was in my late 20s, with a busy military career, horrible family life, and a faith that was one inch deep. That year started off great! I got a major promotion, was selected to a top-notch military school, and was a first-time homeowner. My future was bright in early 2007! I knew exactly where I was going. Then the bottom dropped out of everything! 

By the summer of 2007 I was homeless, by myself, financially broke, spiritually bankrupt, forced to go back home with my parents and take residence back in my childhood bedroom. As if things were not bad enough, I was told that I was deploying again to Iraq—this time for 13 months. This was not my plan! This was not how it was supposed to be!

The summer of 2008 was the best! I was 30, deployed in Iraq and thriving in my military career. I had met my wife, discovered my call to ministry, and (more importantly) encountered Jesus in a mighty way. With my faith rekindled and my hope restored, I finally felt whole. I felt like God was doing a healing work. I felt useful. This was the most pivotal moment of my life! I am so glad God went with his plan and not mine. I am so glad God knew how it was supposed to be.

The Apostle Paul had his plan, but God had other plans. Instead of being able to move into Asia, Paul was prevented by the Holy Spirit. This must have been so strange for Paul. He might have been thinking, “This is not how it is supposed to be.” God instead encounters Paul in a dream and directs him to preach the gospel in Macedonia, effectively releasing the power of God all through Europe. This moment is often called the “Macedonian Call.” 

What in your life is not happening according to your plans? Does something feel like the “bottom is dropping out?” Do you find yourself trying to force something to happen? Perhaps God is preparing you for a Macedonian Call of your own?! 

Prayer:

O God, we know full well that our thoughts cannot compare to your thoughts. Our ways are nothing like your ways. Your wisdom is clearly superior to ours and your plans always work out for the best. Why do we even try to force things to happen according to our own desires?! Remind us to seek you and your will in every single situation save us from ignoring your call. Thank you for this and every Bible story pointing out the ultimate impact our actions can have when directed by your Holy Spirit. Let Jesus lead us in love and wisdom as we pray in his great name. Amen