Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church
May 22, 2022
“Called to Something Different”  
Rev. Steve Whitney
Greetings!

This may sound weird to some of you, but I find it encouraging to read Bible passages where the big names of the Bible—in this case it’s Paul—get something wrong. Here Paul wants to go to Asia, but the Holy Spirit won’t let him do it. There’s no immediate explanation, just “no.” Paul accepts this, and then he gets new instructions in a dream.

That’s where the story breaks from most of my experience. It’s rare that I get such clear guidance. My work for God is mostly “treat others the way Jesus would treat them” or “comfort those in need.” There are also times when I feel called to something but it doesn’t work out. But that’s ok! Those “small” things make a huge difference. From time to time there’s a big thing, but that’s usually not clear until later. Let’s dig in deeper this Sunday!

Peace,

Steve

If you're worshipping with us online, please join us immediately afterward for the virtual Coffee Hour.

Theme for Sunday

“Your call is different!” said a wise woman on the bus in Mesa Arizona. Is God saying “no” somewhere in your life? If so, be sure to listen carefully for where God is whispering "yes" or even shouting, “Hey! Look over here!"
Questions for Reflection
God leads each of us in different ways. Here are some questions to think about:

  • Is there an area in your life where you’ve felt a nudge from God or an area where you feel more energy? This might look like increased compassion for an individual or group.
  • Is there anything you’ve been trying to do but it just won’t seem to work? That doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t do it. But it’s a good thing to pray about it to see if the timing isn’t right or maybe God has a different plan.
  • Do the questions above seem strange to you? Maybe that’s not how you usually communicate with God? Please don’t be concerned! Everyone’s experience is different. If you’d like to explore how it works for you, you can discuss it with the church prayer team, a deacon or elder, the pastors or staff, or a spiritual director, or with me (Steve Whitney).
Acts 16:6-15

They went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. When they had come opposite Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them; so, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision: there stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’ When he had seen the vision, we immediately tried to cross over to Macedonia, being convinced that God had called us to proclaim the good news to them.

We set sail from Troas and took a straight course to Samothrace, the following day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city for some days. On the sabbath day we went outside the gate by the river, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down and spoke to the women who had gathered there. A certain woman named Lydia, a worshipper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul. When she and her household were baptized, she urged us, saying, ‘If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my home.’ And she prevailed upon us.