Who Is Calling ... for You?
Rev. Dr. Greg Glatz
Sixth Sunday of Easter
May 25, 2025
Acts 16:9-15 (NRSVA)
Theme: Listening for God's call—even when it takes us off the map.
Scripture focus: The call to Macedonia and Paul’s journey to Philippi (Acts 16)
Key idea: God's path often unfolds in unexpected ways through the movement of the Spirit.
Questions
1. The Winding Path
- When have you expected a "straight line" in your journey of faith—only to find a winding, confusing path instead?
- How did that experience challenge or grow your understanding of how God works?
2. Closed Doors, New Paths
Paul’s team was "forbidden by the Holy Spirit" to go to certain places.
- Have you ever had a door close in your life that later turned out to be redirection?
- What did God teach you in that moment?
3. Expecting One Thing, Finding Another
Paul saw a man in his vision, but met Lydia, a woman from a place he was previously blocked from.
- What does this story say about how God uses unexpected people and moments to fulfill the divine plan?
- Who has been a surprising "Lydia" in your life?
4. Life in the Spirit: A Wild Ride
Jaclyn P. Williams, Assistant Professor of the Practice of Preaching and Chaplaincy, School of Mission and Theology (Fuller Theological Seminary, Houston) says, "Life in the Spirit is a wild ride."
- What does that mean for you?
- How do you recognize when the Spirit is moving in your life, even if the direction is unclear?
5. God’s Limitless Imagination
The invitation is to go where God’s limitless imagination leads us.
- What would it look like—for you or for our church—to fully trust and follow that imaginative call?
- What might God be inviting you/us to say "yes" to next?
Closing Thought
"The wind blows where it chooses... so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit." (John 3:8)
Prayer prompts for this week
When the Path Isn’t Straight
"God, I thought I knew the way. But the road has not been easy, and things haven’t gone as planned. Help me to trust you even when the way forward is unclear. Teach me to find peace in the winding path."
When Doors Close
"Spirit of God, when doors close and plans fall through, help me not to despair. Show me where you are leading instead. Give me eyes to see the new path you’re opening—and the courage to walk it."
For Openness to Surprise
"Lord, I confess I often expect you to work in ways I understand. Make me open to unexpected people, places, and moments where your Spirit is already moving. Help me to recognize the 'Lydias' in my life."
For Patience in the Waiting
"God of timing, when I’ve gone where you told me to go but nothing seems to be happening, help me wait without losing heart. Teach me to trust your pace. Remind me that "gradually, then suddenly" is how your Spirit often moves."
To Be Led by God’s Imagination
"Creator God, you see far beyond what I can see. Lead me not by my limited plans but by your limitless imagination. Call me into places I never expected and send me to people I’ve yet to meet. I am willing. Show me the way."
