So what do you do when you are walking through the maze of life and you run into a dead end? You’ve climbed the ladder of success to the top only to discover it’s leaning against the wrong wall. The fact is, it’s all a matter of perspective. From one point of view it’s a diabolical Dead-end; A plot by the devil himself to get you tangled in his web and lost in the dark alleys of the labyrinth. Yet from another angle it’s really Divine Guidance in disguise, plain and simple.
Why doesn’t God always answer prayer when we are in trouble?
#1 God didn’t cause the problem, mankind did.
#2 God gave us free will which means evil will happen.
#3 God is capable of using evil for Good. And He does.
#4 God always answers: “no” is an answer.
6 Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia.
Paul was a man of strategy. He was driven
His original plan was to head south to the continent of Asia
It was a good plan, but God said "no"
7 After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them.
Luke doesn’t tell us exactly how Paul received God’s guidance
Paul was sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit
If we choose to be led by our own understanding, every dead end will frustrate us. But if we choose to be led by God’s spirit, every detour is simply divine guidance.
To forbid (κωλύω) means that they were told not to go
Not Permitted (ἐάω) means they were blocked from going.
Our response: “If the Lord wills.” James 4:13-15
How do you know when the Holy Spirit is speaking to you?
#1 The Holy Spirit speaks through the Word. John 16:13
#2 The Holy Spirit speaks through prayer. James 1:5
Ask and it shall be given,
seek and you will find
knock and it shall be opened. Matt 7:7.
#3 The Holy Spirit speaks through his promptings. John 16:8
When we ask Him, God gives us peace. Philippians 4:6-7
God wants us to walk by faith not by sight. Pro 3:5-6
Does God still give dreams and visions to people today?
There is no limit to what God can do. If He chooses to do so.
Dreams are not to be considered divinely inspired revelation.
God can use dreams for personal guidance.
Revelation is infallible, guidance must be interpreted.
Paul concluded that God wanted him to go to Macedonia.
Concluded: συμβιβάζω means he put two and two together.
“He tested the spirits.” 1 John 4:1 Go: Wider Outreach
Paul envisioned a journey to reach the continent of Asia
God’s plan was to bring the good news to Europe Go: New Team Member
6 Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia.
11 Therefore, sailing from Troas, we ran a straight course to Samothrace, and the next day came to Neapolis, 12 and from there to Philippi, which is the foremost city of that part of Macedonia, a colony. And we stayed in that city for some days.
The use of pronouns in verses 6-8; they or them (6X)
The use of pronouns in verses 9-12; we and us. (4X)
Luke joined Paul’s team in Troas
In your life, is the road out ahead? Are there “No Trespassing Signs” blocking your way? You can see these detours as diabolical dead ends or you can realize that they are Divine Guidance. Without explaining why, God sometimes says no. Often he asks us to discard our plans for his, because he has new horizons for us to follow. Are you frustrated with the process. Can’t find the cheese? When you can’t see his hand, walk by faith through the dark maze and God’s Spirit will guide you.