On a recent Sunday morning, the Holy Spirit brought the phrase “the Macedonian call is here” during a time of prayer, and then “what is sown in tears will be reaped in joy” in prophetic worship. The two are tied together. You can read about the Macedonian call for yourself in Acts chapter 16 to get more context for what I’m talking about. Paul had his plans for what he wanted to do and where he wanted to go. As he was traveling in the book of Acts he wanted to go into what is today the nation of Turkey. He was ready, but the Holy Spirit would not let him enter Turkey but instead had him in a period of waiting, a holding place.
He had a plan of where he wanted to go but he could not go there. He felt constrained. How many of us find ourselves in that place today? The place of “I want to go somewhere but I don’t feel like I’m going anywhere.” Then all of a sudden, God showed up and told Paul through a vision, “I don’t want you to go into Turkey, I want you to go to Macedonia.” After receiving the vision, Paul obeyed and went. As a result of that trip, we have his letters to Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. If Paul had done it the way he wanted to, he would have gone into Turkey and I’m sure things would have gone well. But, because he was stopped and re-positioned himself to listen, he let the Holy Spirit inside redirect him to Macedonia and God’s plan came to pass.
God is asking us to “sow in tears” the sacrifice of the things we want to hold on to and do our own way. The Macedonian call is all about, “I want to go to Turkey, but the Holy Spirit wants me to go to Macedonia.” If I am willing to sit in this spot where I fill like I’m stuck and listen to Him and follow his lead, I’ll be reacting like Paul did. All of a sudden, Paul got the vision. It was clear to him what he was supposed to do and where he was supposed to go. When he obeyed, all fell into place and God’s plan was accomplished. So be encouraged if you lack clarity or feel stuck. God has a plan and He will lead you if you listen. He will give you the vision you need to get you where you are supposed to go.