Troy a servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Confronting Closed Doors
And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, 7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. 8 And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. 10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.
Acts 16:5-10 (KJV)
Facing a "closed door" can be extremely frustrating. The apostle Paul knew exactly how that felt. On his second missonary journey to share the gospel in Asia, he repeatedly found the way blocked by the Holy Spirit. Eventually the apostle was stuck in Troas with the sea before him and closed doors behind.
How strange it must have seemed to Paul that God would prevent him from spreading the gospel. But he knew this wisdom from the book of Proverbs:The Lord will make a straight path for anyone who chooses to trust God rather than himself (Proverbs 3:5-6). Instead of getting angry or trying to force his way into new territory, Paul got on his knees.
The Bible doe not record how long he and Timothy lingered in Troas, but we can be sure that the apostle did not move until the Lord revealed the entreance to a new mission field. Christians in a period of watchful waiting should view the situation as a chance to seek not only God`s purpose but also His guidance. This is the time to ask the Lord why He has barred the way forward--prhaps the timing is wrong or we need to deal with unconfessed sin. Whatever the reason, we must be sensitive to the Spirit`s leading. We want to be ready for the door that will open.
When opportunity is blocked, God has a reason. And He is providing love and protection, even in your disappointment. The Lord is also keeping His promise to work everything for your good (Romans 8:28). When one door has closed, a greater one is about to open. Be wise and watch for it.
Amen
Troy
Confronting Closed Doors
And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, 7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. 8 And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. 10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.
Acts 16:5-10 (KJV)
Facing a "closed door" can be extremely frustrating. The apostle Paul knew exactly how that felt. On his second missonary journey to share the gospel in Asia, he repeatedly found the way blocked by the Holy Spirit. Eventually the apostle was stuck in Troas with the sea before him and closed doors behind.
How strange it must have seemed to Paul that God would prevent him from spreading the gospel. But he knew this wisdom from the book of Proverbs:The Lord will make a straight path for anyone who chooses to trust God rather than himself (Proverbs 3:5-6). Instead of getting angry or trying to force his way into new territory, Paul got on his knees.
The Bible doe not record how long he and Timothy lingered in Troas, but we can be sure that the apostle did not move until the Lord revealed the entreance to a new mission field. Christians in a period of watchful waiting should view the situation as a chance to seek not only God`s purpose but also His guidance. This is the time to ask the Lord why He has barred the way forward--prhaps the timing is wrong or we need to deal with unconfessed sin. Whatever the reason, we must be sensitive to the Spirit`s leading. We want to be ready for the door that will open.
When opportunity is blocked, God has a reason. And He is providing love and protection, even in your disappointment. The Lord is also keeping His promise to work everything for your good (Romans 8:28). When one door has closed, a greater one is about to open. Be wise and watch for it.
Amen
Troy
