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Acts 16:6-10
Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
New International Version (NIV)
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Do you ever struggle with knowing God’s immediate will for your life? Take comfort that no less a luminary than the Apostle Paul waited and wondered about God’s direction as well. The Holy Spirit kept him from preaching the word in the province of Asia. So they tried to enter Bithynia but the Spirit of Jesus stopped them. How? Don’t you wonder?
Remember David wanted to build a temple for the Lord. Even his preacher friend Nathan thought it was a great idea. Until God told him to tell David, “No.” Sometimes I have been convinced that there was something I was supposed to do, only to discover a four-way stop sign around my life. Melanie and I did our level best to become missionaries with the International Mission Board. The door closed. I shared my frustration with my wise wife. She simply said, "Maybe you are not the one who is going to do that work.” In my twenties and thirties, I chafed at the thought that God would not let me do what I wanted to do for his kingdom. Twenty plus years later, I understand.
What do we do when God locks a door with a dead bolt? First, don’t try to open a window to circumvent him. Trust me, that does not go well. Let God’s, “No,” have its intended effect. Second, notice that Paul seeks God’s will as he ministers in community with others. It is not “he,” but “we.” Our actions affect others so they should surely be discerned in community. A close reading shows the pronouns shift from they to we. Did Paul and his companions pick up Dr. Luke in Troas? Third, allow God to enlarge you in your waiting. On my sabbatical last summer I meditated on the lyrics of Shane and Shane’s Psalm 130: “I will wait for you, I will wait for you. On your word I will rely . . . I will wait for you . . . until my soul is satisfied.” Fourth, when God makes the vision plain, act decisively. “At once . . .” they went. God had set divine appointments for Paul in Philippi beside the river, in the market and in the local jail. He would later tell the church in Ephesus that God had prepared good works for them to do (Ephesians 2:10). God is working in us as we wait for the clear revelation of his will. We may rest in him, assured that what God wants for us is “good, pleasing, and perfect” (Romans 12:2).
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Pray with me:
Father, the bruises and scars on my head say I have tried to push through your stop signs. We want to do something, not just stand here. But give us the grace today to stand here and not just do something. You know the appointments you have set for us today. Some of them are not on our calendars and not on our radar. Nevertheless, for the sake of your kingdom we embrace your plan. So our answer to you today and everyday is, “Yes.” Show us what you would like for us to do. We delight to know and do your will today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Join us in memorizing the Word. Scripture for this week:
Matthew 5:17-18
Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.
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| Our 2020 Every Day with Jesus readings will follow the Foundations New Testament reading plan. Copies of the reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download your copy at REPLICATE.ORG
We would love for you to join us as we read the New Testament through this year, five chapters a week. In addition I will continue my long-standing practice of reading one Psalm a day through the year. Use Robby Gallaty’s H. E. A. R. plan to study each chapter (also found at REPLICATE.ORG). Highlight verses which speak to you, explain what they mean in your own words in a journal, apply them to your own life, then respond by doing what God tells you to do.
Joyfully,
Duane
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