Reflections on Acts 16:6-11

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. 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. So instead, they went on through Mysia to the seaport of Troas. 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!” So we decided to leave for Macedonia at once, having concluded that God was calling us to preach the Good News there. We boarded a boat at Troas and sailed straight across to the island of Samothrace, and the next day we landed at Neapolis. From there we reached Philippi, a major city of that district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. And we stayed there several days. - Acts 16:6-11

This passage comes on the heal of Paul and Silas visiting the churches that Paul and Barnabas had established in Galatia during what we know of as the 1st Missionary Journey. As I read this passage, I can't help but see the Holy Spirit working in this situation, guiding Paul's every move. For example, why did God want Paul to go past Asia with all those citites to be evangelized (Ephesus, Miletus, and the seven mentioned in the NT that were at some point obviously evangelized)? Then, Paul didn't stop in Troas to preach. That would have been a great place to preach. A port city with direct route access to Rome and the western world. There were thousands of people coming and going. He could have set a fire that others could have spread with them as they traveled. But, the Holy Spirit didn't want him to stop there. Instead, he received a vision to go to Macedonia. Where he ended up establishing churches in cities such as Philippi, Thessalonica and Berea.

God closed doors and opened doors so wide that there was no doubt to Paul and Silas as to which ones they were to enter into. You know, I think God works a little differently today. I don't think we get visions like Paul did. And the Holy Spirit doesn't speak "out loud" to us. But God hasn't left our side. He's still right there. And just like with Paul, He has a plan for each one of us. We just have to pay attention to which doors He is closing; and more importantly, which doors he has left wide open for you to walk through.

Have the courage today to walk through the doors and be used by God. May God bless and keep you.