6 Next Paul and Silas traveled through the area of Phrygia and Galatia, because the Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time. 7 Then coming to the borders of Mysia, they headed north for the province of Bithynia,[b] but again the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go there. 8 So instead, they went on through Mysia to the seaport of Troas.
9 That night Paul had a vision: A man from Macedonia in northern Greece was standing there, pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” 10 So we[c] decided to leave for Macedonia at once, having concluded that God was calling us to preach the Good News there.
O - Paul and those traveling with him had a direction they had hoped to travel. Reading the Apostle Paul as I have, I'm thinking he had prayed about this trip. Yet the Lord did not allow them to travel in that direction. They encountered, as we say in the church, a "closed door" to potential ministry. However, soon afterwards Paul received a calling to go over to Macedonia where he would have fruitful ministry.
A - When we set our plans before the Lord and we seemingly do not receive that open door, we continue serving Him and while serving, waiting for clearer direction. It's in times like these that we often realize the blessings of God and experience fruit (or if I could say it .. results) from our ministry.
P - Father, give us wisdom and insight to know the direction you have set before us. May we have eyes and ears that are attentive to you're leading and may we follow the open doors of your guidance!
