Acts 16:6-10 - Spirit leading

Scripture:

 

Acts 16:6-10
6 They passed through the Phrygian and Galatian region, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia;

7 and after they came to Mysia, they were trying to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them;

8 and passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas.

 

9 A vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing and appealing to him, and saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us."

10 When he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
NASU

 

 

Thoughts:

 

We don't really know how, but in some way the Lord prevents Paul and his team from ministering where He doesn't want them to (at least, yet) (verse 6-7).  And then He guides them to where He desires (verse 9-10), by giving Paul a vision.

 

I love this picture of Spirit-led ministry.  Waiting on the Lord to point the way, and restricting ourselves to go only where He says.  Jesus knows who is ready to hear the gospel or receive some sort of ministry from us, some are not.  How much better when we move in response to the Lord, instead of ahead of Him! 

 

If Christ is our commander then naturally, we will achieve what He wants when we wait on His commands.  Paul receives a vision from the Lord.  Our direction from Him may not be as dramatic.  However, in whatever way the Lord speaks, He still speaks.  Whether the issue we face is regarding ministry or just a decision in our lives, God will guide us as we listen to Him.

 

 

Prayer:

 

Lord, may I approach ministry and my life in this way, waiting on You.  Thank You for Your faithfulness to guide me.  Grow me in my ability to hear Your voice this week, and to respond in obedience. 

 

Amen

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.