Paul's visit to Ephesus lasted about three years (Acts 19:8-10), the longest period Paul spent in any city during his missionary journeys, according to Luke. During that time a church was planted, and disciples learned how to follow Jesus. When a large number of occultists were convicted of their sin and burned their scrolls of magic spells, Jesus came into sharp focus for many in the community (Acts 19:20). It seemed as though the missionary's work had been done and it was time for Paul to move on again. But to where and when?

The Holy Spirit had implanted into Paul a desire to serve in gospel ministry, but the apostle did not always know the direction or timing. Initially Paul and Barnabas were led by the Holy Spirit on a short-term mission trip to Cyprus and, what is now, southern Turkey (Acts 13:4). Later Paul wanted to travel as far as the Black Sea coast but the Holy Spirit diverted him to Troas on the Northern Aegean Sea and then called him to what is now Greece (Acts 16:6-10). At each point Paul had a desire but the Holy Spirit directed the direction and timing, and enabled Paul to make up a team who would support, pray and help him (Acts 20:4-5).

Paul wanted to go to back to the churches in Greece, and then on to Jerusalem, and then to Rome. This time the Holy Spirit gave the direction but not the timing or the method. In fact, he would complete the itinerary (Acts 20:1-6; 13-16), although he would go to Rome as a prisoner, as the Holy Spirit told him later (Acts 20:22-23). But it was not quite time to go; the Lord would use another significant confrontation to grow the church (Acts 19:23-41). In the meantime, Paul selected his team to go ahead of him, two trusted believers to prepare the ground for the next mission. Timothy was a young man from Lystra, and Erastus was the director of public works in Corinth (Romans 16:23).

When the Lord leads us, we may not know where, or what or when. We may not know who to work with or how to spread His Word effectively. But we do know that Jesus has given us His Word to share and His life to wear - so that He will be glorified and sinners will repent. But hardly ever do we know the answers to all the other questions. But as we trust Him, He will give us enough information to keep in step with Him (Galatians 5:25). If we have no guidance we should stay where we are and live to His glory, until He changes our course. That is the life of faith. When the Lord wants us to serve Him in a different way, He will tell us. Until then, we get on with whatever He has already told us to do, and wait for His next instruction (Luke 2:19).