Acts 16: 7

This event shows that God is sovereign over all things.

In Acts 16, we read that Paul traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia to do the work of missions and church planting. However, the bible tells us that Paul and his team were kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the Word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus could not allow them to (Acts 16: 7). What follows was that Paul changed course and went to Troas instead.

My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. (Prov 3:21-24)

Paul had wanted to go to the province of Asia to preach the Word of God there. But he was prevented from doing so by the Holy Spirit. We are not given a lot of information about how the Spirit of Jesus prevented him from going there. I guess God deals with different situations in different ways.

This event shows that God is sovereign over all things. He had directed Paul’s path through some form of intervention and Paul changed his course of action.

We all have plans and intents to follow through as much as possible. But what Paul had experienced indicates to us that God continues to lead and guide. He even closes a certain door so that we may take another route. Hence, we must not be afraid to change the plan because we just could be re-calibrating to be more conformed towards what God had intended.

I pray that in the new year we will learn to discern the way of the Lord more fully. Here’s wishing you a Blessed Chinese New Year!

My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. (Prov 3:21-24)