They passed through the Phrygian and Galatian region, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia; and after they came to Mysia, they were trying to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them; and passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. 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." 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.
Acts 16:6-10
Today's passage from scripture is rich with God's wisdom. Paul and his companions have it in mind to preach the gospel in the Roman Province of Asia Minor, which is modern day Turkey. God says "no" and instead, through a vision, directs them to the region of Macedonia, across the Aegean Sea. Paul wanted to win his local region for Christ, but God had a bigger plan; to send Paul and his missionary team to Europe and win an entire continent. What encouragement we can glean from this for those times when God closes a door. Trust Him and know that His hand is poised to open a bigger and better one.
If you are in a place right now where you are challenged to trust God with a closed door, then I want to encourage you to remind yourself of what is true. God is good. God is kind. God is for you and not against you. As you wait for the door He will open for you, lean into Him and believe what He says about Himself is true.
I pray today's video song I Know by Big Daddy Weave will be an encouragement to you.
I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I'm praying for you.
I must always trust in God's way, but times often make me wonder if He is
ReplyDeletelistening. But my life is just a blink and His life is eternity.
Needed to hear this today, Nancy...thank you. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, Kim. xx
DeleteThank you.
ReplyDeleteYour are so welcome! xx
DeleteThis is so true Nancy. A new door is always available when one closes. Happy Monday. Have a great week. xoxo Kris
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kris. xx
DeleteWonderful scripture today, Nancy. I needed to be reminded that we need the Holy Spirit's guidance rather than lean on our own ideas. Even things that seem to be right, might not be right for me at this time. Beautiful song. We don't have to know much, as long as we know Christ is our Savior!
ReplyDeleteAs always, you speak truth my friend! xx
DeleteWho would want to go through a door God has closed? Let us wait for the doors to be opened. (now watch, because I wrote that, God is going to close a door in my face)
ReplyDeleteHave a good week, Nancy.
Thank you!xx
DeleteThese are challenging times, I appreciate the encouragement, dear Nancy.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
My pleasure, Amalia. xx
Deletebased on the hubs and my conversation this morning
ReplyDeleteabout a particular subject, i'd say this is quite
timely and actually an answer to prayer. :)
i'll be sharing your post with him later this afternoon.
hugs and thank you...
Oh, I'm so glad God used this to encourage you. I love that! xx
DeleteI believe it because I've seen it happen over and over in my long lifetime. It doesn't always get any easier in the waiting period. I know it should. Most of the time it's more a case of later thinking, Oh now I understand.
ReplyDeleteYup! You're right! Hindsight is 20/20. :) Hugs.
ReplyDelete