God Has a Better Plan
They attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. (Acts 16:7)
Acts 15:36-16:10; Ex. 19:5; I Sam. 12:15; John 16:13; Rom. 8:14; Rev. 22:14
What Is God Saying?
Paul's second missionary journey was significant in that it began the ministry of the Gospel of God's grace in Europe, but it was not without problems. In the beginning, there was a conflict between Paul and his beloved companion Barnabas (Acts 15:36-39). Barnabas had a compassionate desire to take John Mark with them, while Paul was not so forgiving and thought it unwise to take someone who had failed them before. The Journey was too important for that encumbrance. So they parted and Paul chose Silas to go with him through Asia Minor. On their way, it seemed good to them to turn north into Bithynia. Still ‘the Spirit of Jesus’ had other plans in line with God's purpose for the journey. They soon discovered why God said no to something that seemed good; He had something better. Paul saw a vision in the night, a man of Macedonia pleading for help. Europe was beckoning. The Gospel must be proclaimed beyond this boundary, beyond all boundaries. The door to Bithynia was closed, but the door to Europe was opening.
How Does This Apply To Us?
Following the leading of God's Spirit, we av0id the cul-de-sacs of life and ministry while finding the thoroughfares of blessing. Supposing Paul said no to God's no. He would have missed the blessing of God's yes. We often find that when God closes a door, He is already opening another. We may be sure His closed doors are kind and His open doors are good. There are times and circumstances when the Spirit of Jesus will not allow us to go on. We can say no to Jesus. We can say, ‘This time I know better.’ We can resist God's express will. When we do, however, the cost is high, the way is rough, and the joy missing.
Pray With Me
Spirit of Jesus, Paul was on a mission for You. He wanted to go to Bithynia for Your sake, but You did not allow it. There are some good things we want to do for You that You do not allow because You know there is a better way and a better time. Lord, when I have placed my will at Your command and when I am seeking only to please and honor You, let me realize that no is as important as yes. In Your infinite wisdom, you use the threads of my life to make a perfect tapestry.
Spirit of Jesus, I care not if You say no to the less that I value now that I may come to the best which I will value forever. I care not if You close a door that opens on a course of life that will make You seem distant and service to You a burden. I am content to let You control each step, to guard each thought, to rule each desire. I have come to believe that all things, even bitter denials, have their origin in Your wise, holy love. You are the potter; I am the clay. Fashion me according to Your perfect will.
In the name of Him in whom all the promises of God find their "Yes" to the glory of God. Amen.
Moving On In The Life of Prayer
Let us open our prayer with the Spirit of Jesus, then let us listen. What is He not allowing? What good thing is He withholding from us? To what better path is He pointing? Sometimes we think God does not answer prayer when all the time His unanswering silence is only preparing us for far greater things.
