"They were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the Word in Asia."
~ Acts 16:6 ~
It is interesting to study the methods of His guidance as it was
extended towards these early heralds of the Cross. It consisted largely
in prohibitions, when they attempted to take another course than the
right. When they would turn to the left, to Asia, He stayed them. When
they sought to turn to the right, to Bithynia, again He stayed them. In
after years Paul would do some of the greatest work of his life in that
very region; but just now the door was closed against him by the Holy
Spirit. The time was not yet ripe for the attack on these apparently
impregnable bastions of the kingdom of Satan. Apollos must come there
for pioneer work. Paul and Barnabas are needed yet more urgently
elsewhere, and must receive further training before undertaking this
responsible task.
Beloved, whenever you are doubtful as to your course, submit your
judgment absolutely to the Spirit of God, and ask Him to shut against
you every door but the right one. Say, "Blessed Spirit, I cast on Thee
the entire responsibility of closing against my steps any and every
course which is not of God. Let me hear Thy voice behind me whenever I
turn to the right hand or the left."
In the meanwhile, continue along the path which you have been already
treading. Abide in the calling in which you are called, unless you are
clearly told to do something else. The Spirit of Jesus waits to be to
you, O pilgrim, what He was to Paul. Only be careful to obey His least
prohibition; and where, after believing prayer, there are no apparent
hindrances, go forward with enlarged heart. Do not be surprised if the
answer comes in closed doors. But when doors are shut right and left, an
open road is sure to lead to Troas. There Luke awaits, and visions will
point the way, where vast opportunities stand open, and faithful
friends are waiting.
--Paul, by Meyer
Is there some problem in your life to solve,
Some passage seeming full of mystery?
God knows, who brings the hidden things to light.
He keeps the key.
Is there some door closed by the Father's hand
Which widely opened you had hoped to see?
Trust God and wait--for when He shuts the door
He keeps the key.
Is there some earnest prayer unanswered yet,
Or answered NOT as you had thought 'twould be?
God will make clear His purpose by-and-by.
He keeps the key.
Have patience with your God, your patient God,
All wise, all knowing, no long tarrier He,
And of the door of all thy future life
He keeps the key.
Unfailing comfort, sweet and blessed rest,
To know of EVERY door He keeps the key.
That He at last when just HE sees 'tis best,
Will give it THEE.
- Anonymous -
- Streams in the Dessert, January 10th, Mrs. Charles E. Cowman
~Brittany
