Good morning. In a recent Wednesday evening lesson, we were discussing our topic of the working of the Holy Spirit, and we read the passage of Acts 16:6-10
And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia.And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas.And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
What has always fascinated me about this passage of scripture describing the efforts of the apostle Paul to establish churches for Christ Jesus and to share the Good News of salvation in His name, is that the Holy Spirit prevented them from doing righteous work.
Clearly, there was nothing wrong in Paul’s intention to preach the Word in Asia. Nor was there anything evil in his preaching in Bithynia. But Paul and his helper Silas were forbidden to preach in Asia, and not allowed to preach in Bithynia. Why?
The simple answer is that God had other plans. God had another agenda that did not match that of Paul. This doesn’t mean that Paul was doing something wrong, or even that his plan was necessarily wrong. It means that God had different priorities, and God’s priorities are always more important than our own.
I am sure that Paul was concerned and perhaps perplexed by the “door” being slammed shut, ending his plans. But just as one door was slammed shut, God opened another. Paul, being the mature and humble Christian servant that he was, didn’t argue or even complain. He simply obeyed.
There is, I think, an important lesson for us in this passage. We may have plans, and they may be fine plans to have. But if they are not in keeping with the will of God for us at that time, doors will shut. If you have found yourself in this situation, and I think most if not all of us have, then it is wise to consider what other doors may have unexpectedly opened. Accept what is the will of God and pray diligently to be sure of what His plans for you may be.
May your open doors lead to blessings and those that close protect you from harm!
Vern