Acts 20:2‭-‬3 NLT While there, he encouraged the believers in all the towns he passed through. Then he traveled down to Greece, where he stayed for three months. He was preparing to sail back to Syria when he discovered a plot by some Jews against his life, so he decided to return through Macedonia.

Some believers today would look at Paul and say he was in fear and he didn’t have “real faith” because he chose to go to Macedonia instead of Syria. There’s no doubt Paul was led by the Spirit, he was full of faith, and he walked in his authority. But even with all of his faith and authority, Paul exercised wisdom.

Some believers understand faith and their authority, which is a good thing, but they use it foolishly. People have been killed by lions thinking their authority can protect them from going into a pride of lions. People have been injured in car accidents believing their faith will heal their vision. That’s not faith or exercising authority. That’s foolishness.

It would have been foolish for Paul to have learned about the Jews’ plot to kill him, but still go to Syria telling himself, “I’m God’s chosen one and no one can stop me.”

Allow the Holy Spirit to tell you when and where to apply your faith and authority. Until the Holy Spirit reveals that information, exercise wisdom.