Today’s Scripture: Acts 16:6-7, NLT- “Next Paul and Silas traveled through the area of Phrygia and Galatia, because the Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time. Then coming to the borders of Mysia, they headed north for the province of Bithynia, but again the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go there.”
Sometimes we feel as if we have hit a brick wall and we do not know where to go next. Our decision making may become clouded. Reading through Acts 15 and 16 we find that not all voices point us in the right direction, but we can trust the Holy Spirit.
You and I have some the same choices and challenges that the original Apostles had. In Acts 15:2 Paul, Barnabas and some other believers consulted with other apostles and elders. We too can trust the Spirit can guide us through other believers. We must always remember the promise of Acts 15:8-9, “So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.” (NKJV)
Not only has God given us the Spirit of Jesus, He has also given us His written Word as Acts 15:15 states, “The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written:” (NIV) If our heart is to do the will of God, most times we will experience Acts 15:28 where we are told “For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things:” (NKJV)
God does not promise an easy path but the blessed one. Just as Paul and Barnabas experienced in Acts:15:36-39, we may, at times, have sharp disagreements with others and need to go our separate ways. Even in these instances we can trust the Holy Spirit to guide us and make each of us fruitful in God’s grace.
As far as I know, no one knows why or how the Holy Spirit of Jesus prevented Paul and Silas from entering Asia at the time mentioned in Acts 16:6-7. We will also not know why the Holy Spirit prevents us from doing what we think we are called to do. We must only keep moving.
Who knows, we may also receive a vision as Paul did in Acts 16:9 that points us in a new direction. We must do as he did in Acts 16:10 and get ready to leave immediately trusting that God is calling us. As we follow the Spirits leading, we will meet those people God intends as Paul did with Lydia and the slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination in Acts 16 13-16
In my own family this week we experienced how the Spirit of God did bring someone into our lives that we could not have imagined. The Spirit gives us peace to know what to do next. Only the Spirit of God can orchestrate such clarity when our understanding is unsettled.
We can trust the roadblocks and open doors. If we simply keep moving, Jesus and His Spirit will use us as Paul and Silas in Acts 16:5 “So indeed the churches were strengthened in the faith and were increasing in number every day.” (BLB)
I am thankful that these early apostles did not quit in the discouragement of not being able to go where they thought they were going. We can do the same today. Instead of thinking we have failed at our efforts, we can trust that the Holy Spirit is guiding us. We must keep moving and spreading the Good News and we too will help increase the number of believers.
Today’s Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Spirit that prepares our way. Help us to trust the Spirit of Jesus to guide us. I am praying to help increase the number of believers and to strengthen Your church. Please guide me every day with Your Spirit and Your Word. In the name of Jesus, I am praying. Amen.
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