Today’s Devotion
Topic: You Must Be Led!
Text: Acts 16: 6- 10
6 Paul and his companions travelled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. 7 When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. 8 So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. 9 During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”10 After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. Amen
The mandate and mantle of Paul was revealed to Ananias the Prophet. He was God’s “chosen instrument to proclaim the Lord’s name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. He was also going to suffer many things for the sake of the gospel (Acts 9: 15- 16).
One will assume that once the above are true, then Paul didn’t need to wait on the Lord for further instructions and guidance. He should be able to go “anywhere” and do “anything” so long as it evolves around preaching to the gentiles and suffering for sake of Christ.
BUT BELOVED! THAT IS NOT HOW THE HOLY SPIRIT WORKS. He knows the end from the beginning and is constantly willing to order our steps if we will let Him. Paul wants to go to one gentile town (Bithynia) to preach but the Holy Spirit says NO! Go “somewhere else” (Macedonia) for the people there are more prepared to receive the message you have”. Wow! Apparently it’s not about what we feel like doing but what His will is at every given time.
You see, prophecies and mandates from God are always given without the “how” that will be accomplished. To know the “how” requires a greater sensitivity and walk with the Holy Spirit. It is in doing so that the WILL OF GOD is fulfilled. Otherwise we may be doing what WE please thinking the Lord is with us because we have the mandate to do so.
For instance, the mandate to marry does not mean we go right ahead of God and make a choice and assume the Holy Spirit will definitely come along. Again, the prophecy that said you will work and live abroad does not in any case imply that you see a “connection” man today to start processing your documents- NO!
When we learn how to tarry in His presence, He orders our steps in His word. We never miss the path of righteousness and fulfilment.
Meditate on the above and begin to pray now! Submit your life to the leadership of the Holy Ghost.
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