Paul and Barnabas end up having a disagreement over Mark. Mark had chosen not to accompany Paul and Barnabas from Pamphylia. Now Barnabas wants to bring Mark back into the mission. Paul disagrees, he doesn't think Mark is trustworthy based on his past decisions. So, Barnabas takes Mark and heads one way. Paul takes Silas and heads another.
A disagreement, oh my. Sometimes we think the people in the Bible were perfect. They heard from God, they listened to God, they followed God. Yet, they were just men and women like you and me. Sometimes they had differing opinions. The interesting thing is that God works through man regardless. I love Romans 8:28, "All things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose." Paul and Barnabas separated, yet God used it for good - the mission team just doubled. Also, Mark's choices led him to follow Peter and eventually write the Gospel of Mark. Paul and Mark were also later reconciled. Does this mean go out and sin & God will just turn it into something good? Absolutely not. We are still to follow God and listen to Him. But realize that sometimes you are called to one thing, and some else might be called to something else. A difference of opinion doesn't mean someone is wrong, it simply means that two people might have different ways of doing things.
On his travels, Paul met a young man named Timothy. Timothy was baptized and began traveling with Paul throughout Macedonia. Once again, Paul listened to God's calling. He was sensitive to the Holy Spirit. As you go through your week, spend time in prayer and take that extra moment to listen to what He has to say.
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