September 9
Bible Reading: Acts 16:1-10
Acts 16:7, “…but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them.”
Have you ever planned a trip only to have your plans upended somehow? Maybe your mode of transportation changed, or your destination was no longer viable. Paul and Silas, accompanied by Luke and Timothy, set out on a missionary journey with a specific route in mind. However, their plans were altered when their divine “travel agent”—the Holy Spirit—redirected them.
The four men initially intended to travel to Asia. However, the Spirit said no (Acts 16:6). They then aimed for Bithynia, a well-developed region that seemed like a logical choice. Yet again, the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to proceed there. Despite their original plans, Asia and Bithynia were off the table. Whether through prophecy, inner prompting, or circumstances—Paul and his companions remained attentive as the Spirit worked to redirect them. Ultimately, the Spirit led them to Troas, and then to Macedonia, a completely new continent, through a vision in which Paul saw a Macedonian man pleading for their help. God had closed two doors, but then opened another through which they would experience a fruitful ministry.
This account highlights a crucial lesson: Paul and his companions were attentive to the Spirit’s leading in their missionary effort. The Spirit was in control, as He should be. This same guidance is available to us (Romans 8:14; Galatians 5:16). The Spirit indwells every believer and speaks through the Word to lead us along. How important it is to remain attentive to Him (Philippians 2:13; Romans 8:27; Ephesians 5:18)! Are you in a position where the Spirit can lead you as He navigates you through your life’s journey?
Consider the story about a farmer who lost his watch in a haystack. After searching fruitlessly, he enlisted the help of local boys, who sifted through the hay for hours without success. A friend then suggested a different approach: clear everyone and everything out of the barn and leave him alone. When the barn was silent, the faint ticking of the watch became audible, and it was soon found. Similarly, to hear the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we must silence the noise and distractions of our lives and listen attentively to His voice through the Word.
“It is better to go to Troas with God, than anywhere else without Him.” – G. Campbell Morgan
BE STILL, MY SOUL
Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side;
bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
in every change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul; thy best, thy heav’nly Friend
through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul; thy God doth undertake
to guide the future as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
all now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul; the waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.
Be still, my soul; the hour is hast’ning on
when we shall be forever with the Lord,
when disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul; when change and tears are past,
all safe and blessed we shall meet at last.
LookingtoJesus 