In reading about Paul’s second missionary journey this morning, Acts 16:6-10 stood out. Paul and Silas have been going from town to town, instructing and encouraging the believers in their faith. As they move into new territory to preach the Word of God, they find an interesting response by the Spirit of God. And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. (Acts 16:6–8, ESV)
Paul and Silas were forbidden to preach the Word in two different regions. Doesn’t this seem strange? How frustrating this can feel from our human perspective. We want to do something good, but our efforts seem to hit a brick wall. So, we tweaked the plan and adjusted it, but we found the same results. Have you ever had periods like this in your life? Times when you want to do the will of God, and maybe you even thought you knew what that was, only to have it seemingly “not work out?”
Sometimes, in a life of faith, things that seem not to work out are part of a bigger picture that is working out. It may seem as though Paul and Silas were striking out, but these “divine hindrances” were not strikes but guidance and direction. Sure, we may not like this kind of guidance and direction because it can seem like a waste of time and resources and, ultimately, humbling. But faith’s eye sees God’s promise.
Are you frustrated? Does it seem like you are spinning your wheels? Has it been brick walls and no doorways? Let’s remember God’s promise…And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28, ESV)
Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from Acts 15-16.