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Divine Diversions
By Arthur Jackson
Key Verse: “They
tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to.” – Acts 16:7
Today’s Scripture: Acts
16:6–10 (NIV)
On his second missionary journey (Acts
16:1–18:22), Paul wanted to preach the gospel in the
provinces of Asia Minor (modern-day western Turkey) and Bithynia (modern-day
northern Turkey); however, God redirected Paul northwest to Troas.
Through “a vision of a man of Macedonia” God called
Paul to bring the gospel into Europe (Acts
16:8–9).
The identity of the “man of Macedonia” is much
debated.
Because of the pronoun “they” in verse 8 changes
to “we” in verse 10, some scholars say this man is Luke
himself who has now joined the mission team.
Luke, a gentile medical doctor (Colossians
4:14), wrote the gospel of Luke and Acts and
became Paul’s traveling companion and co-worker (Acts 16:10–40, 20:4–17, Philemon 1:24).
He also took care of Paul during his last days in prison before his
death (2 Timothy 4:11).
It can be difficult when we’re told “no” or “not now,” especially when
we sense God has opened a door for us to serve others.
Early in my ministry, two opportunities came my way where I thought my
gifts and skills matched the churches’ needs, but both doors eventually closed.
After these two disappointments, another position came along, and I
was selected. With that ministry call came thirteen years of life-touching
pastoral labors.
Twice in Acts 16 Paul and company were redirected by God.
First, they were “kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the
word in the province of Asia” (verse
6).
Then, “When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to
enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to” (verse 7).
Unknown to them, God had other plans that would be right for His work
and workers. His “no” to the previous plans put them in a position to listen to
and be confidently led by Him (verses
9–10).
Who among us hasn’t grieved what we initially thought to be a painful
loss?
We’ve felt wounded when we didn’t get a certain job, when a service
opportunity didn’t materialize, when a relocation got derailed.
Though such things can momentarily be weighty, time often reveals that
such detours are actually divine diversions that God graciously uses to get us
where He wants us, and we are grateful.
Reflect & Pray
What loss have you grieved only to be grateful that what you desired you didn’t get? How did the situation serve to bolster your trust in the Lord?
What loss have you grieved only to be grateful that what you desired you didn’t get? How did the situation serve to bolster your trust in the Lord?
Father, I praise You that in Your wisdom You know how to
best arrange my life. Thank You for protecting me through Your detours.
Bible in
a Year: Job 11–13; Acts 9:1–21
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