There is a story in Acts 16:6-10 that gives us fascinating insight into the process of discovering and following God’s will. The story goes like this: Paul and his missionary companions set out for Asia, bent on preaching the gospel to the gentiles. How they settled on that location, scripture doesn’t say, but it does clearly state that the Holy Spirit kept them from going there! Not to be dissuaded from their God-appointed task, they passed through Phrygia and Galatia and came to the border of Mysia where they tried to enter Bythnia. But again, “the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them!” Think about how frustrating that must have been. Here they were trying to do God’s work, but God Himself kept getting in the way! I can imagine Paul going to bed and grumbling to God in his prayers about what in the world He must be thinking. Here they were, ready and willing, but He wouldn’t let them move forward. Then came the vision—a man from Macedonia begging, “Come over and help us.” Finally! A clear direction from God about where to preach. Soon they were on their way to many adventures, teaching and proclaiming the gospel in Macedonia.

Here’s what fascinates me about this story: Paul and his companions knew they were called to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. The problem is they didn’t know exactly where. However, that fact did not stop them from setting out to answer their call. They set out to reach the gentiles wherever they were, and in the process God showed them exactly where to go. Often, God does not give us a full sense of His guidance and direction until we move forward to do what we know needs to be done. On my recent trip to Cambodia, I and our team of missionaries in that country had the privilege of experiencing God’s guidance in ways very similar to Acts 16. The story begins like this:

For years, Daniel and Cara Greenfield have felt the call of God to serve as missionaries. Following that call, they joined AFM and were sent to Guinea, West Africa. After less than a year in that country, they were forced to leave because their young son, Andrew, became deathly ill several times. Most missionaries would have given up at that point and concluded they simply must have mistaken God’s calling. However, this was not in the Greenfields’ makeup. They still wanted to serve. During a season of prayer and discussion with their field director, they clearly experienced God’s leading to go to Cambodia. After consultation with AFM, it was determined they should join Philip & Hope Kiwi who were requesting partners in their ministry among the Great River People. So they moved from Africa to Asia, determined to give of their lives and hearts to reach the unreached. And that is where our stories merge.

For the past year and a half, as the Asia field director, I have guided Daniel and Cara while they lived in Phnom Penh, learned the Khmer language and culture, and prepared to join the Kiwi family. On my recent visit to Cambodia, it was my intention to facilitate the final preparations for their move. But God had other plans.

On Monday, February 8, I arrived at the home of Philip & Hope Kiwi, and we spent a day discussing the needs and challenges of their project. On Wednesday, the Greenfields arrived from Phnom Penh. The major focus of discussion was where the Greenfields would live. All attempts to find housing for their family had been thwarted. Unbelievably, there simply was no place for them to live in either of the two nearby villages. After hours of discussion and prayer, we determined that, over the next several weeks, we would simply see how God led. However, I felt ill at ease. I had a vague sense that we were trying to make something happen that wasn’t supposed to be. I also sensed the others felt similarly. That night, I spent a long time in prayer. “Lord,” I prayed, “the Greenfields clearly feel called to Your service, but where do You want them to serve? I feel no peace in the direction we are moving. What is Your will? We need Your guidance.” I have a rule of life based upon a Bible text that says: “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” In my heart, if I have no sense of freedom or peace about a decision or direction, then I begin to question whether it is what God wants me to do.

As I prayed, I suddenly remembered a conversation I’d had with Braden Pewitt on the Pnong Project in Mondulkiri province just a few days earlier. We had been discussing their need for partners and how important it was to get just the right family to join them. “Could it be that the Greenfields should go to the Pnong Project rather than the Great River People Project, Lord?” I prayed. The more I thought about it, the more it made sense. The Greenfields were perfectly equipped to provide the support the Pewitts needed! My heart filled with peace that this was the direction to go. But, how was I to break this news to everyone else?

The next morning, I decided to first touch base with Greg and Molly. As I shared my concerns and my experience of the night before, it was as if a load lifted from their shoulders. As disappointed as they were that they would not be partnering with the Greenfields, they confirmed my sense of unease about our previous plans. Next, I called Braden and Johanna Pewitt. I repeated the story of my concerns, indicating that the Kiwis felt the same. “Would you guys be willing to consider having the Greenfields join your project as partners to reach the Pnong?” Immediately, even over the phone, I sensed their relief and joy. “John, we have felt exactly the same way. We have been praying about this for more than a year. We just didn’t want to do anything to influence you. We decided that if God wanted them to join our project, He would work it out. We would love to have them as partners! But are the Greenfields willing? I think they are pretty committed to working with the Great River people.” And so my final hurdle was before me—what would the Greenfields think? After so much time and preparation, would they be willing to switch projects again?

Two days later, I was sitting in the Greenfields’ home in Phnom Penh. Sending up a silent prayer, I looking into their faces and said, “Daniel and Cara, I have a monkey wrench to throw into your lives.” I proceeded to tell of my concerns, my lack of peace and my discussions with the Kiwis and Pewitts. “I don’t know how you are feeling, but would you be willing to consider a call to work on the Pnong Project?” I asked them. Even before I finished asking the question, I could see it in their eyes—light, peace and joy all mixed together. It was as if I could see life and energy flow into their faces and bodies. “Yes, we would!” they declared. They began to share their own struggles and sense of calling that they should join the Pewitts. And so, all around the circle, everyone—the Kiwis, the Pewitts, the Greenfields and I—all let out a collective sigh of relief and joy as peace flooded into our hearts. God had revealed exactly where He intended the Greenfields to serve.

Since those discussions a few weeks ago, God has continued to unfold His will and confirm that this is exactly what He has in mind. I have the greatest admiration for the Greenfields. Like Paul and his little missionary band, they did not wait for all the pieces to fall into place before they energetically committed themselves to mission service. I don’t know why God didn’t just show Paul (or the Greenfields) exactly where to go in the first place. Why did they have to get two no’s before they got a yes? Were there lessons of faith and trust they had to learn before they could face the demands of the ministry ahead of them? We don’t know. But I am grateful that God is in control and He always leads those who choose to serve Him even when the path is not always clear. I can’t wait to see what adventures the Greenfields have ahead of them. But whether in joy or pain, they can press forward knowing God has unequivocally led them to the Pnong. Praise Him!

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