Post by Pam on Aug 28, 2009 14:13:10 GMT -5
CONFRONTING CLOSED DOORS
Acts 16:6-10
6 They passed through the Phrygian and Galatian region, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia; 7 and after they came to Mysia, they were trying to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them; 8 and passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. 9 A vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing and appealing to him, and saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." 10 When he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
God has the power to open any closed door—no circumstance is too difficult for Him to overcome. And yet He may decide to let things that seem important to us remain blocked. Why does the Lord allow doors to stay shut? Protection. Perhaps He is trying to keep us from making a mistake. On our own, we may not have adequate knowledge to make right choices.
Redirection. God could be sending us on a new path. His plan might include bigger opportunities for us, deeper satisfaction, a wider area of service, greater productivity, a season of suffering, or an opportunity to glorify His name. God closed doors in Asia so that the apostle Paul would minister on the continent of Europe. His obedience led to increased fruitfulness—the churches at Philippi, Thessalonica, and Corinth—and to more knowledge for us through his letters to them. Though Paul experienced much suffering, he also knew the joy of participating in God's work.
Testing. When God says "No," our faith is tested, and we discover what we really believe about Him and His plans.
Perseverance. In these roadblocks, we have opportunity to develop steadfastness, a vital quality for believers. (Romans 5:3-5)
Timing. Our Father places stop signs along our path in order to work out the correct timing for His will.
Disobedience. Past waywardness can affect future experiences and blessings.
When our way is stopped, we must look to God and seek His purpose for the interruption. How do you respond to "no"?
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Charles F. Stanley, Copyright © 2005 IN TOUCH Magazine.
In Touch Ministries. All Rights Reserved.
Acts 16:6-10
6 They passed through the Phrygian and Galatian region, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia; 7 and after they came to Mysia, they were trying to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them; 8 and passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. 9 A vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing and appealing to him, and saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." 10 When he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
God has the power to open any closed door—no circumstance is too difficult for Him to overcome. And yet He may decide to let things that seem important to us remain blocked. Why does the Lord allow doors to stay shut? Protection. Perhaps He is trying to keep us from making a mistake. On our own, we may not have adequate knowledge to make right choices.
Redirection. God could be sending us on a new path. His plan might include bigger opportunities for us, deeper satisfaction, a wider area of service, greater productivity, a season of suffering, or an opportunity to glorify His name. God closed doors in Asia so that the apostle Paul would minister on the continent of Europe. His obedience led to increased fruitfulness—the churches at Philippi, Thessalonica, and Corinth—and to more knowledge for us through his letters to them. Though Paul experienced much suffering, he also knew the joy of participating in God's work.
Testing. When God says "No," our faith is tested, and we discover what we really believe about Him and His plans.
Perseverance. In these roadblocks, we have opportunity to develop steadfastness, a vital quality for believers. (Romans 5:3-5)
Timing. Our Father places stop signs along our path in order to work out the correct timing for His will.
Disobedience. Past waywardness can affect future experiences and blessings.
When our way is stopped, we must look to God and seek His purpose for the interruption. How do you respond to "no"?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charles F. Stanley, Copyright © 2005 IN TOUCH Magazine.
In Touch Ministries. All Rights Reserved.