Following God’s Lead in All Seasons

I’m so glad you’re here today as we deal with a topic that’s both challenging and exciting: following God’s lead in every season of our lives. Now, I want you to think about a time when you felt really comfortable—maybe it was a job you loved, a place you called home, or a routine that just felt right.

We all love comfort, don’t we? It’s like that cozy blanket on a cold day or your favorite spot on the couch. But what happens when God nudges us to step out of that comfort zone? What do we do when He calls us to something new, something unknown?

I remember back almost 40 years ago, Katharine and I felt the call to go back to Alabama and head back to school. I had a good job, and great pay, and yet we still felt God moving us out of what felt comfortable. It was scary and exhilarating at the same time. But I'm here to tell you, it was the right thing to do. And we saw God's hand of blessing.

Today, we’re going to continue on our journey with the Apostle Paul, a man who knew a thing or two about stepping out in faith. In today's section of chapter 18, we find Paul in a place of success and stability in Corinth. Things are going well for him, but then he feels God’s nudge to move on.

As we read about Paul’s experience, I want us to think about our own lives. Are there areas where we’re holding on too tightly to what’s familiar? Are we willing to trust God’s plan, even if it means stepping into the unknown?

My hope is that by the end of our time together this morning, we’ll be inspired to embrace God’s direction, no matter where it leads us. So, let’s open our hearts and minds to what God has in store for us today. Are you ready? Let’s jump in!

As we consider how God might be calling us to turn the page in our own lives, let's look at how Paul was willing to move when God called him, even when it meant leaving behind the comfort and success he had found in Corinth.

Read Acts 18:18-19

Acts 18:18–19 NKJV

18 So Paul still remained a good while. Then he took leave of the brethren and sailed for Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila were with him. He had his hair cut off at Cenchrea, for he had taken a vow. 19 And he came to Ephesus, and left them there; but he himself entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews.

In Acts 18:18-19, we see Paul in Corinth, a place where he’s experienced great success in his ministry. He’s built relationships, shared the Gospel, and seen lives transformed. It’s a place where he could easily settle down and continue his work. But here’s the thing—Paul senses that God is calling him to move on. He’s comfortable, but he knows it’s time to embrace the next step in God’s plan.

The first thing we see is...

I. Be Willing to Move When God Calls (18-19)

Now, let’s pause and think about that for a moment. Imagine being in Paul’s shoes. You’ve worked hard, things are going well, and you’re making a difference. But then, you feel that nudge from God, that whisper that says, “It’s time to go.” It’s not easy, is it?

It’s like being in a warm, cozy house on a cold day and hearing a call to step outside into the unknown. But Paul doesn’t hesitate. He trusts that God’s plan is better than his comfort zone.

After a year and a half of ministry there, Paul decided that it was God’s will for him to leave Corinth and return to his home church in Antioch. His friends Priscilla and Aquila (note how Luke varies the order of their names) accompanied him to Ephesus and stayed there when he left for Caesarea.

In verse 24 we’ll pick up the story of the church in Ephesus and the important part played by Aquila and Priscilla.

Cenchraea was the seaport for Corinth, and there was a Christian congregation there (Rom. 16:1). Here, Paul had his hair cut, “because he had taken a vow.” This probably refers to the Nazarite vow we see described in Numbers 6. Since the Nazarite vow was purely voluntary, Paul was not abandoning grace for law when he undertook it.

The vow was not a matter of salvation but of personal devotion to the Lord. He allowed his hair to grow for a specific length of time and then cut it when the vow was completed. He also abstained from eating or drinking anything to do with grapes in any form.

We are not told why Paul took this vow. Maybe it was a part of his special dedication to God during the difficult days of the early ministry in Corinth. Or, maybe, the vow was an expression of gratitude to God for all that He had done for him and his associates. According to Jewish law, the Nazarite vow had to be completed in Jerusalem with the offering of the proper sacrifices.

We aren't told how long Paul stayed in Ephesus, but it must not have been long.

This is where it gets real for us. Are there areas in our lives where we’re resisting change because we’re too comfortable? Maybe it’s a job, a move, or even a mindset that we’re holding onto.

Paul’s example challenges us to consider where God might be calling us to step out in faith. It’s about trusting that God’s direction, even when it leads us away from what’s familiar, is ultimately for our good and His glory.

So, as we think about Paul's willingness to step out of something familiar, let's take a look at how he prioritized God's mission, even when faced with appealing opportunities.

In Acts 18:20-21, we find Paul in Ephesus, where the people are eager for him to stay longer.

Let's read Acts 18:20-21

Acts 18:20–21 NKJV

20 When they asked him to stay a longer time with them, he did not consent, 21 but took leave of them, saying, “I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem; but I will return again to you, God willing.” And he sailed from Ephesus.

It’s a great opportunity—imagine being in a place where people are hungry for what you have to offer, where you’re wanted and appreciated. But Paul makes a surprising choice. Instead of staying, he tells them he needs to leave, saying, “I will come back if it is God’s will.” Paul’s commitment to God’s call to head to Jerusalem takes precedence over the immediate opportunity in front of him.

Just as Paul was willing to leave behind what was familiar, he also understood that following God meant prioritizing His mission above all else. This leads us to our next point...

II. Prioritize God's Mission (20-21)

This decision speaks volumes about Paul’s priorities. He’s not driven by what’s easy or what feels good in the moment. Instead, he’s focused on what God wants him to do. Paul teaches us that following God sometimes means saying “no” to good things so we can say “yes” to the best thing—God’s will.

The Jews there were much more receptive to the Gospel and wanted Paul to stay, but he wanted to get to Jerusalem to complete his vow and then to Antioch to report to the church. Though, he did promise to return, and he kept that promise (Acts 19:1).

“If God will” (Acts 18:21) was more than a religious slogan with Paul; it was one of the strengths and encouragements of his life and ministry. Knowing and doing God’s will is one of the blessings of the Christian life (Acts 22:14).

So what happens to Priscilla and Aquilla? Their ministry took them to Ephesus for the next five years. I’m also wondering what happened to Silas and Timothy. We don’t know. Maybe they stayed at Corinth, or they could have gone to Jerusalem with Paul and continued with him on the third journey. Interestingly, Silas disappears from Luke’s account after Acts 18, leaving us wondering where he went.

So, let’s bring this home. How do we make decisions in our own lives? Are we putting God’s mission first, even if it means going out into the unknown? It’s not always easy, but when we prioritize God’s call, we align ourselves with His greater purpose.

As we think about Paul’s example, let’s ask ourselves: Are we willing to put God’s mission above what's cozy, trusting that His plan is always the best path forward?

Now, let's look at how he sought community and encouraged others, strengthening the faith of those around him.

Let's read Acts 18:22-23

Acts 18:22–23 NKJV

22 And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up and greeted the church, he went down to Antioch. 23 After he had spent some time there, he departed and went over the region of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.

Here, we see Paul returning to Antioch, his home church, after his travels. He reconnects with his church family, shares the stories of what God has done, and then sets out again to strengthen other believers. Paul understood the importance of community—not just for himself, but for the growth and encouragement of others.

No matter where God sends us, we should...

III. Seek Community and Encourage Others (22-23)

After landing on the Phoenician coast, Paul went and visited the church in Jerusalem. Paul then traveled the sixty-five miles southeast of Jerusalem and then up to Antioch. Luke has now brought the second missionary journey to a close; just as quickly, he will begin the third.

Paul probably stayed at Antioch from the late summer of a.d. 52 through the spring of 53. Then he set his sights on Ephesus, fifteen hundred miles to the west.

Along the way, he visited the churches we have come to know, most likely including Tarsus, Derbe, Lystra, Iconium, Pisidian Antioch, and possibly some Luke hasn't told us about throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia. This ministry across Asia Minor was not new evangelism but encouragement and establishment of existing congregations.

Think about it like this: Those of you who have done this. You’ve just completed a challenging hike. You’re tired, but you’re also filled with stories of the journey. When you get home, you share those stories with your friends and family, and in doing so, maybe you inspire them to take on their own adventures. That’s what Paul did. He didn’t just keep his experiences to himself; he used them to build up the faith of those around him.

This is a powerful reminder for us. We’re not meant to walk this journey of faith alone. We need each other for support, encouragement, and growth.

Paul’s example challenges us to invest in our faith communities, to share our stories, and to encourage one another.

So, let’s ask ourselves: Are we making time to connect with our faith community? Are we using our experiences to strengthen others? As we follow God’s lead, let’s remember that we’re stronger together, and our shared faith can help us navigate any season of life.

Conclusion:

As we wrap up today, Paul’s life shows us that following God’s lead isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. He was willing to move when God called, even if it meant leaving behind comfort and success. He prioritized God’s mission, trusting that God’s plan was better than what felt comfortable. And he sought out community, knowing that we’re stronger when we encourage and support one another.

So, what about us? Are we ready to embrace God’s direction in our own lives? Maybe God is nudging you to step out of your comfort zone, to take a leap of faith into something new. Or maybe He’s calling you to prioritize His mission, even if it means making tough choices. And let’s not forget the importance of community—are we investing in the people around us, sharing our stories, and building each other up?

Here’s the good news: We don’t have to do this alone. God is with us every step of the way, guiding us, strengthening us, and surrounding us with a community of believers.

As we leave today, let's remember Paul's example: be willing to move when God calls, prioritize His mission, and seek community. Ask yourself, 'Where is God nudging me to step out in faith?' Let's commit to taking that step together, trusting that His path leads to a life of purpose.