Directed By The Holy Spirit
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. 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.
Acts 16:6-8
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.
Acts 16:6-8
Paul and his companions were very eager to preach the Gospel wherever they could. But it is evident that they carefully followed the directions of the Holy Spirit as to where and when they were to minister God’s word. As essential as it was to spread the Gospel, it is rather interesting that twice, the Holy Spirit did not allow them into particular cities. They were actually “kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia.” However, Macedonia was different. God gave Paul a vision to confirm the need to preach in that city.
We live in Jesus, move in Him and have our being in Him. This means, in effect, our daily activities should be directed by the Spirit of Jesus. There are times when the Spirit will give us the green light to respond to a Macedonian call. But there are also times when the Holy Spirit will prevent us from moving in certain directions no matter how obviously sensible the move might seem to us. Sometimes, the Holy Spirit will forcefully say no!
There are many times when Satan would seek to hinder or block our “godly endeavors.”
But there are also times when the Holy Spirit might say no because God has different “Macedonian plans” in store. We need to know the difference.
The Bible declares that the steps of the righteous are ordered by the Lord. The Holy Spirit is called to walk alongside us and direct our paths. I believe this is a reality that is most ignored by many of us. So, what if we really allowed the Spirit of Jesus to order our steps? Wouldn't life be more enjoyable, purposeful, fruitful and less complicated?
May the Holy Spirit direct your steps. May He help you to know the difference between a door He chooses to open and a door He chooses to close.
We live in Jesus, move in Him and have our being in Him. This means, in effect, our daily activities should be directed by the Spirit of Jesus. There are times when the Spirit will give us the green light to respond to a Macedonian call. But there are also times when the Holy Spirit will prevent us from moving in certain directions no matter how obviously sensible the move might seem to us. Sometimes, the Holy Spirit will forcefully say no!
There are many times when Satan would seek to hinder or block our “godly endeavors.”
But there are also times when the Holy Spirit might say no because God has different “Macedonian plans” in store. We need to know the difference.
The Bible declares that the steps of the righteous are ordered by the Lord. The Holy Spirit is called to walk alongside us and direct our paths. I believe this is a reality that is most ignored by many of us. So, what if we really allowed the Spirit of Jesus to order our steps? Wouldn't life be more enjoyable, purposeful, fruitful and less complicated?
May the Holy Spirit direct your steps. May He help you to know the difference between a door He chooses to open and a door He chooses to close.
Prayer: Father, the need to know what is of you and what is not is rather critical in these confusing times in which we live. May the Holy Spirit close doors that are not of you and lead me only along your chosen path for me. Help me to clearly hear your voice at all times. Amen.