When not to Preach the Word

November 24th, 2023
by Jon Holaday

Acts 16:6 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. 7 After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them.

This has always fascinated me. That God would forbid the word preached anywhere. Its not that God didn't want these areas to hear the gospel, for we don't know what we don't know! God knows everything! It takes a mature believer grounded in his faith and trusting in the Holy Spirit to hear and obey this. I mean, one can just force the doors open but that only leads to disaster. Maybe God called others to these areas? But what we do know, is a man from Macedonia had been praying for Gods help. God sends Paul and company at once. So cool, I don't have to force things, just listen and obey orders! Some christians dont get simple authority and submission, exactly what one learns in the military, as well as some other fields. I just want to listen and obey what God has called me to, nothing more, nothing less. Are you good with that? I don't assume I know better than God in my limited knowledge. LORD, Your free to direct me today. Your free to change my schedule or my ideas of whom I need to reach today.