When God says “no”
Acts 16:6-10
6 Next Paul and Silas traveled through the area of Phrygia and Galatia, because the Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time. 7 Then coming to the borders of Mysia, they headed north for the province of Bithynia, but again the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go there. 8 So instead, they went on through Mysia to the seaport of Troas.
9 That night Paul had a vision: A man from Macedonia in northern Greece was standing there, pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” 10 So we decided to leave for Macedonia at once, having concluded that God was calling us to preach the Good News there.
Paul had every intention of preaching the gospel in Asia. He made every effort to get into Bithynia. In both places God said “No”.
That doesn’t make sense. Why would God allow the gospel to be preached in some areas and not in others?
I love the quote “the ‘good’ is often the enemy of the ‘great’.”
From God’s perspective, Paul preaching in Asia and Bithynia – the ‘good’ – may have prevented the gospel going to Macedonia – the ‘great’.
Paul, in this passage, displays two qualities that I really need to develop.
1. Pragmatic faith
2. Dynamic obedience
When God closes a ‘good’ door I need to say “that’s fine. The ‘great’ door must be just ahead”. When God does open the ‘great’ door I must, like Paul, walk through it without the slightest hesitation or delay.
Lord, please be patient with me. Develop in me pragmatic faith and dynamic obedience. Please help me be so in tune with You that I choose to obey even when I don’t want to.
Written by Boudy Van Noppen