They were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the Word in Asia. - Acts 16:6
A young man
went to college and then to seminary, determined to become a pastor. God blessed his years
in school and gave him many opportunities to preach.
After graduation he looked for a church to pastor but couldn't find one that needed him.
So when he was offered a contract to teach in a Bible college, he said yes, still
intending to pastor a church someday. But after 2 years of teaching, it finally became
clear that God wanted him to be a teacher rather than a pastor.
God sometimes frustrates our own plans as we seek to determine His will. We head in one
direction; He blocks our way. Finally we become content to go where He directs us.
Paul experienced that kind of frustration in Asia Minor on his second missionary journey.
He headed for the Roman province of Asia, but was "forbidden by the Holy Spirit to
preach the Word in Asia" (Acts 16:6). So he and his companions tried to enter
Bithynia, "but the Spirit did not permit them" (v.7). So they journeyed to
Troas, where Paul learned that God wanted him to preach in Macedonia (vv.9-10).
Is God frustrating your plans? He may be trying to lead you. Be open to His will and
sensitive to His guidance, and He will use you and bless you.
-DCE
I want to follow You, O Lord,
Your plans for me I will obey;
So when You close or open doors,
Help me to see Your perfect way.
-Sper
Contentment
comes when we want God's will more than our own way.
Vocation Prayer
Almighty and ever-living God, the source of all created life, we praise you
for the bounty of creation. Help us to use these gifts wisely, especially in caring
for those in need. May more young people answer your call to priesthood and
consecrated life. Amen.