6 And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. 7 And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. 8 So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. 11 So, setting sail from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace, and the following day to Neapolis, 12 and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city some days.
Acts 16: 6-12
During Paul’s second missionary journey, he wanted to preach in Asia Minor and Galatia, but the Holy Spirit forbade them to do so! Instead, Paul saw a famous vision of Macedonia, and they went to Philippi of Macedonia to preach the gospel wholeheartedly!
Have you ever experienced in your life that the Holy Spirit forbade you from doing something? I am not saying that if the work is not going well, if there are difficulties, God forbids us to do it. Paul also faced many resistances, difficulties and even persecution! But he still firmly believed in God’s commission and tried his best to spread the gospel!
Sometimes the Holy Spirit reminds us not to sin! But this time Paul was eager to preach the gospel in some regions, but the Holy Spirit still forbade them to preach the gospel in Asia Minor and Galatia. I only know one reason, and that is God’s great desire for Paul’s team to go to Macedonia as soon as possible! Macedonia is today Greece. Rome was the political center, while Greece was the cultural center at that time. God’s heart is more eager to spread the gospel to Europe, spread it to the whole world, and make all people to be His disciples!
It turns out that in our lives, we sometimes have to stop some work. Paul even gave up preaching in some regions because he wanted to move on! Let us also take the heart of Christ Jesus as our heart, not only stick to where we are, but go for a farther road for the Lord! Continue to spread the gospel in every city and village until the Lord comes back!
Prayer:
Oh God! Teach me to set my mind to your heart! Know where to let go, so that I can focus on accomplishing what you want me to do! Please give me strength, wisdom and courage, and let me do my best to fulfill your commission!
Song:
United To The Lord
1. All that I encounter throughout my life
Are united to You and Your will;
You and I belong to each other,
Facing every thing together.
For Your will though I suffer hardship,
Persecutions, slanders and sneers,
Yet my heart can rejoice in all these,
For Your grace abounds through my journey.
Your presence, the warmth in God’s family
Moves me deeply and gives me joy and rest;
Your fervent love compels my heart,
Floods and flames to pass I’m steadfast!
2. We’ve fought many fierce battles,
yet I find Your wondrous salvation every time;
By You, I lift my head and boast,
By faith press on toward the goal!
Lord, You do appreciate my love for You,
On this suff’ring yet glorious journey;
Then one day, You’ll come to receive me Into
Your endless joy and glory!
Your presence, the warmth in God’s family
Moves me deeply and gives me joy and rest;
Your fervent love compels my heart,
Put on the armour, I march on!
May all that I decide throughout my life,
Be united to You and Your will;
You and I deeply love each other,
Walking this life journey together.
Raisins & Apples Bible Devotional & more 