Acts 16:7 After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them.

 

Divine Guidance is a Benefit for every born again believer. However, it is not forced upon us. We must choose to operate in obedience to the directions we receive from God. He creates every human being with freewill which is our ability to make choices for ourselves; both good and bad. God does not drag us along His path. Nor does He push us down the narrow road. He gives us Guidance and directs to the narrow road. Whether we walk that road is entirely our choice.

 

Yesterday, we discussed how God opens doors for us. I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits. But I will tarry in Ephesus until. For a great and effective door has opened to me, (1 Corinthians 16:8-9) The Apostle Paul was very much in tune with the Holy Spirit of God. He adhered to the Guidance given him and by doing so, was extremely effective in the Ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Just as God can open doors, He can close them. We read about this in the Book of Acts. 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 went down to Troas. (Acts 16:6-8)

 

This Passage clearly indicates that the Holy Spirit was providing Guidance to Paul and he was being obedient to that Guidance without question. God had a reason for closing the door to Asia at this time. Paul did not force the door open. In obedience, Paul simply kept going and then the Holy Spirit gave him a vision of where He wanted him to go. 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 16:9-10)

 

God did not show Paul everything up front. He guided him along the way by opening and closing doors. This is how He provides Guidance to us. He opens doors and He closes doors. We are to respond in obedience to His Guidance.

 

We must have faith in His Plan and seek Divine Guidance. Just because an opportunity comes our way does not make it an open door from God. Likewise, when we approach a closed door, it is not for us to force it open or knock it down. God will let us do this but it won’t turn out well. It will be a disaster and we will learn a lesson in obedience to His Guidance.

 

WAIT! WATCH! LISTEN for the Voice of God. Don’t move until you receive His Divine Guidance. Show me Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your Truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day. (Psalms 25:4-5)

 

Wait, watch and listen. God will……….turn the tide……..in your life.

 

Waiting, watching and listening, Doreen

 

www.bettsministries.org