The Spirit’s Call

They went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. When they had come opposite Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them; so passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision; there stood a man in Macedonia pleading with him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” When he had seen the vision, we immediately tried to cross over to Macedonia, being convinced that God had called us to proclaim the good news to them.

Acts 16:6-10

Have you ever been led by the Holy Spirit to do something, and then not done it? Likewise have you been forbidden to do something, and then you go ahead and do it?

We do not know what would have happened if Paul had gone to Asia or to Bithynia. What we do know is that Paul set up a church because of the vision he had.

Listen to the quiet voice of the God speaking to you through the Spirit in you. Paul must have had reservations about where not to go. We know he felt the Spirit’s call to go into Macedonia to preach the good news. In each situation, the obeyed the Spirit’s promptings. As a result, Paul and his team were instrumental in giving birth to a new faith community in Philippi.

As believers in Christ who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, our desire should be to please Him. May we not grieve the Holy Spirit by ignoring His gentle promptings. When we obey Him, we might be used by God to lead someone to Christ, to disciple new believers – or even to help save somebody’s life.

Make the right choice: Obey the Spirit’s voice.

Our Daily Bread – April 11, 2008