The Spirit’s Leading

“Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them. So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’ Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them.”
– Acts 16:6-10 (emphasis added)

This passage is so interesting to me. There are two places where the Holy Spirit forbids them from preaching. I feel like we often think that God wants everyone to know about Him, so we should share with everyone. That is not always the case! We are to follow the Spirit’s leading! How hard that can be at times! I know that in my own life, I have taken the “initiative” to share the Word when that is not really what God is calling me to do, and without seeking His leading. How often we get into the flesh when we are trying to preach the Gospel! How disappointing! I always get upset with myself when I realize this was the case.

Paul, Silas, and Timothy were following God’s leading here. They heeded to what the Spirit said, even if that is not what they thought was best. God always knows best. It would benefit us greatly to follow the example they set for us here.

We should be governed by God!!! We should seek His will before we make any decision. We should follow His leading when we witness to those around us! We should live our lives for Him – that is a witness in and of itself. So often, we think that witnessing can only happen if we are telling people about God, but we can witness through the way we live our lives every day!

My pastor brought up an interesting point the other day. What if legislators gathered in prayer every morning before they went to their desks and earnestly sought God’s will? What if doctors and nurses bowed their knees before our Maker at the beginning of every shift and sought direction and leading and healing on the hurt? What if firefighters prayed for safety at the beginning of each shift? What if scientists sought their Creator and daily gathered and asked Him to lead their research? Just something to think about. Unfortunately, I feel that our country is going in the opposite direction.

 

Maranatha – O, Lord, come! ><>