Paul was the first person recorded to take the gospel to Europe. He was definitely the first person to take the gospel to Macedonia. God calls many people to different expectations, but what a satisfying joy in the Lord it is to be on the cutting edge of the advance of the gospel. Paul had already done his "part." He could have spent his life training the believers that he had seen come to know the Lord in Asia Minor, but he opted to see what else God had in store for him.
Paul met unexpected results
I find it interesting that the vision Paul received in Troas was of a man requesting him to come to Macedonia, yet his first convert a woman. His next significant work in Philippi was of the healing of the demon-possessed girl. We don't see a man converted until the jailer asks "What must I do to be saved?" in Acts 16:30. Paul found a balance between explicitly following God and being prepared for the unexpected opportunities God laid before them. There are constantly times in our lives when God may be working and if we are not spiritually ready for them, we might miss the greatest opportunities for ministry.
Paul created close friendships Paul later writes with much affection in his letter to the Philippians. He calls them partners in the gospel, and tells him that he longs to be with them. Paul found that in obeying God, he was not only accomplishing an objective, but he was also establishing lifelong friendships. God rewards our obedience in beautiful ways throughout and after ministry beyond the fruit that ministry produces.
Paul established a powerful legacy
The ministry that Paul began in Macedonia flourished. Paul's letter to the Philippians is much more positive than his other letters because he has less to correct in them. He even references them as a positive example to the Corinthians (2 Cor. 8). In a broader sense, Paul's work in Macedonia went beyond Philippi to a church that daily searched the scriptures (Berea) and another church that he would later boast about (Thessalonica).
Paul's work had eternal significance
There are people in heaven because of Paul's obedience. God accomplished amazing things because Paul was willing and able, and because he responded. Paul gave up being a Pharisee, being important, having a life of comfort, etc., because he decided to pour himself into things that matter for eternity.
To whom are you taking the gospel?
Are you are at a personal state in which you are spiritually attuned to the ministry opportunities, even unexpected ones, that God has prepared for you right now?
Are you establishing close godly friendships?
What is the spiritual legacy that you will leave?
What are you doing that will have eternal significance?
What will God accomplish through you?
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