When they had gone through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. When they had come opposite Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit didn’t allow them. Passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. A vision appeared to Paul in the night. There was a man of Macedonia standing, begging him, and saying, “Come over into Macedonia and help us.” When he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go out to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the Good News to them.
Acts 16:6-10
These verses reveal both the spiritual strength of the Apostle Paul and his human weakness. I would love to hear the details of how the Spirit kept Paul from going into Bithynia. Did Paul hear the voice of the Holy Spirit simply telling him not to go? He had heard the voice of the Lord before on the road to Damascus. But whatever it was it was clear and Paul did not go where he had planned.
Then comes the vision in the night. In the vision a man from Macedonia was begging Paul to come into Macedonia and help. Paul responded by trying to find a way to get to Macedonia because he "concluded" that God was calling him to preach there. Now frankly, I can relate to that. I see the circumstances around me and my own experiences and "conclude" what God is calling me to do. I believe it is harder to know what God wants you to do than what He wants you to keep from doing.
When God puts a block in your path you can be completely stopped in your tracks. When a door shuts you can push against it for a while, but if it will not budge then the way you should go must be in a different direction.
But when God opens a door and is calling you to walk through it how do you know that it is really God's way for you? When it says that Paul concluded that Macedonia was the right direction, you know there were other ways he considered in the process of making that conclusion.
Here is the bottom line: When you set out to do God's will and His calling on your life - there is still an element of faith that must be present. So you step out in faith and trust that God will change your direction if you are going the wrong way!
If a giant ship is pointed in the wrong direction, it must start moving before it can be turned. Trust Jesus to change your direction as you move through the troubled waters of this life. He is an amazing Captain and will safely bring you to the Harbor of Heaven if you let Him set your course!
"Lord Jesus, I want to walk with You, in the light of Your Word today and forever. Keep your hand on the wheel of my life and bring me safely Home with You when this life on earth is over. Praise Your Name forever! Amen."
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