Acts 16 – The Listening Plan

Devotional

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 came down to Troas. 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 16:6-10

I don’t normally highlight such a large passage, but I can’t help but do so here in Acts 16 as this presents one of the most beautiful pictures of God’s direction and guidance. We are not told how, or why God forbade Paul and his co-laboreres from preaching in Asia, or why he would not permit them to move into Bithynia. But moving in the only direction available to them they waited at Troas until God revealed the next step.

Don’t be afraid to wait on God if doors seem to be closed all around you. I’ve never met anyone who suffered greatly by waiting on God. But I’ve met more than a few who regret moving forward to quickly without Him.