April 23

The Guidance Of The Holy Spirit

And when they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not permit them. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night, Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” As soon as Paul had seen the vision, we got ready to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. — Acts 16:7-10 BSB

The Spirit of Jesus often closes doors along the corridors of life. We may walk along, trying door after door, only to find them all locked, so that we may enter the one He has opened for us (Revelation 3:7-8). Sometimes, as we follow the Spirit’s guidance, we may find ourselves facing a blank wall, like the little missionary band that found themselves by the sea, not planning to cross to Europe but left with no other option. They wandered on the sea-wall, observing the different people gathered in that busy port, a place well known for the Siege of Troy.

With these thoughts in his heart, Paul rested that night, and in a dream, a man from Macedonia, resembling one he had seen on the quay, appeared and beckoned to him (Acts 16:10, R.V.).

Where it is possible for judgment to reach the right decision, based on the suggestions of the Divine Spirit, we are left to think through the problems of our journey. Within our reach are the materials we need to form a correct judgment; we must use them, weighing the options carefully, and, after praying for God to guide us, act in faith. Once we have made a decision, we must go forward without doubting or looking back.

A small door may lead to a vast opportunity. Paul might have been discouraged by his reception in Europe, expecting to find the man from his vision, but instead discovering only a small group of women gathered to pray. Yet a mighty work for God began in the life of one of them, “whose heart the Lord opened.” Let us not despise small beginnings, for they may lead to great and wide places.

Prayer

O God, since we do not know what each day will bring, but only that every moment is an opportunity to serve You, help us to awaken to the immediate claims of Your holy will. Consecrate each step we take, so that even the humblest work will shine and the roughest paths be made smooth by Your presence. Amen.