Devotional:God Forbids:Acts 16:4-10

It is easy for us to accept the idea that God protects us from hurt, harm, and danger. We can accept the idea that God knows what is best. God protects us from dangers that we see and dangers that we do not see. We praise God for His protection. On the other hand, it is hard for us to understand that God forbids us from doing something good. Especially when we are trying to do something that we believe will help to advance the kingdom of God. We wonder, why would God not allow me to do that since it could only help those who are trying to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?

Paul along with his companion Silas was on his second missionary journey. Paul wanted to visit the brethren in every city in which he and Barnabas had proclaimed the word of God (Acts 15:36). Paul visited Derbe and Lystra. They met a disciple named Timothy and took him with them on the journey. “So the churches were being strengthened in the faith, and were increasing in number daily (Acts 16:5, NASB). Everything was going as planned until the Holy Spirit forbids them to speak the word in Asia (v. 6). They came to Mysia and the Spirit of Jesus would not permit them to go into Bithynia (v. 7). Why did God stop them from doing a good work for the kingdom?

Luke, the author of the book of Acts does not tell us if Paul was discouraged. Rather, Luke tells us that while God had closed some doors, He was opening another door. When they came to Troas, “a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing and appealing to him, and saying, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us (v. 9). Paul concluded that God was calling him to preach to those in Macedonia (v. 10). God had stopped Paul in Asia Minor. The need was greater in Europe because the gospel had not been preached there.

God stops us from doing something that we are familiar with and comfortable doing. God has greater plans for us. He wants us to leave our comfort zone and go to a place where there is a greater need.

Prayer: God we thank you for calling us to meet greater needs. Amen.