In this account, Paul and the apostles have been making fruitless attempts to share the gospel message in different regions. In a dream, Paul sees a man who pleads with him to come to Macedonia and help them. After sharing his dream, the group, without hesitation, heads to Macedonia. There, their message is received with openness, many are baptized, and the group gains Lydia as a benefactor. This positive turn of events is only possible because the apostles believe in the prompting of the Holy Spirit. They are willing to listen and to obey.
To what degree do you believe the Holy Spirit still speaks? Have you ever had a vision or a dream that you understood to be God trying to call you in a certain direction? How did you respond? How open are you to believing in, listening to, and obeying the prompting of the Holy Spirit?
In prayer, consider where God might be speaking through people, feelings, and events in your life right now. How might you respond?