“And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. And when they had come up to 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.”
Acts 16:6–8
During the early part of the Second Missionary Journey, the Apostle Paul wanted to go to the Roman province of Asia, which is now the western part of modern-day Turkey. He wanted to preach there. But God did not allow it. Then Paul wanted to go to the province of Bithynia, which was to the north of Asia. But God did not allow that either. God did allow Paul to go to the city of Troas on the coast. So, that is where he went.
The Bible does not record why Paul was not permitted to go to Asia at that time. He did ultimately go there to preach at the end of the Second Missionary Journey. He also spent most of his Third Missionary Journey there, and many churches were established in the area as a result.
Paul did not become discouraged and give up when something he wanted to do did not work out. Instead, he kept trying until he found out what God wanted him to do. Then he did that.
Instead of focusing on those times I wanted to do something for God and my plans did not succeed, I will try to keep going until I find what He wants me to do. I will be thankful for and do my best at the opportunities He has given me.
Interesting and encouraging thought! Thanks! Very interesting to think of what the ‘Spirit of Jesus’ is doing in my life and those around me to help shepherd us in the right direction to do the Father’s will. Paul responded ‘immediately’ when he knew the right thing to do. So should we. Thanks!
This is a very encouraging passage. God knows the plans He has for us. We should trust Him.
We can get so into the details of trying to understand why God did not allow Paul to go to Asia, and miss this extremely important point; keep working.
This is good daily reminder.