Which way to go now?

Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. – Acts 16: 6-7

God stopped seemingly good plans. How would we know when that happens to us? We often rely on a smooth path as a sign that we are going the right way. Doors swing open; things fall into place. If things come easy, the direction we are heading must be blessed by God. But here, in this story of  Paul going to Macedonia, roadblocks have been put in place to stop Paul from seemingly good plans – preaching the Word! It says the Holy Spirit kept them from entering certain towns. Maybe through dreams or visions, or circumstances. The closing of doors. And it causes me to think: how many times we credit the devil with setting up roadblocks to our good intentions. We like to think Satan is responsible for rough roads. And that blessings from God means smooth paths.  Just because we believe the outcome is going to be good and even godly, if we come up against difficult circumstances, obstacles and challenges, we really ought to be praying and not necessarily for strength to overcome – but to reconnect with God. Are you still walking in God’s will? What was that original calling anyway? Did you “see” the end result and make your own human plans on how to get there? Or is the end result something so kingdom powerful that Satan is throwing everything he’s got at it? Has the Holy Spirit Himself stepped in to redirect your steps? Because we know, that sometimes in going with God, there are complications and hardships along the way. How do we know how to proceed? How confusing! It could be any of these!

How often do we get a good idea for the nurturing and growth of God’s kingdom and run full tilt in our own wisdom and strength? It would be wise to continually pray for guidance, discernment, the next step – at every turn. I’d like to know when God has changed the course (or if I have drifted from the course). I’d like to know if I’m still supposed to forge ahead despite the challenges of doors closing and various other complications. In all circumstances...

pray continually,  - 1 Thes. 5:17

In all your ways, steps, decisions… not what makes good sense to you in your human mind and emotion.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
 in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.  – Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust God. And He will make the path straight… to His planned and purposed outcome.