Wednesday's SOAP - Acts 16:6-10

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, 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 decided to leave for Macedonia at once, having concluded that God was calling us to preach the Good News there.

S(cripture) - 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!”

O(bservation) - I want to know God's will for my life. I need to know what direction He wants me to go. So I'm gonna wait. Wait and pray and wait and pray and wait and pray. I'm not going to move forward unless I get a clear signal from God. I'm not moving.

What's that? Paul and Silas moved forward without a clear command from God? The Holy Spirit kept them out of Asia? The Spirit did the same thing as they headed toward Bithynia?

One thing we don't know is HOW the Holy Spirit prevented them from moving toward their intended destinations. Perhaps there was physical blockage. Jesus taught his disciples to stay where welcomed and move on when not. Maybe they were rejected by the populace. Perhaps it was a sense of unease. I've experienced this - a lack of peace usually means that something is not right and it is best to stop and regain bearings - get alone with God. The Holy Spirit brings peace. Paul and Silas had each other to provide discernment - two brains/souls are better than one. Or perhaps Paul and Silas heard the Spirit speak clearly into their souls. This happens too rarely for me (but that's my problem for not listening better). However it happened, I find it amazing that Paul and Silas weren't content to sit idly by waiting for some divine marching orders. They moved out and as they were moving, they gained clarity. It never hurts when you get a clear request for help - whether verbally or in a vision. (like Black Friday, like Arc Christmas, like habitat for Humanity - it's pretty clear when folk as for help - when folk welcome you in)

Paul and Silas got after IT - their mission - to make disciples. Are you getting after it?

A(pplication) - God can't steer parked cars. Get in gear - you just might discover God's plan for your life as you serve in obedience.

No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good,

and this is what he requires of you:

to do what is right, to love mercy,

and to walk humbly with your God. - Micah 6:8

Get after it.

P(rayer) - Abba, maybe you will show us the "big picture" when we start working on the small stuff. Unplug our ears, unstop our souls so we can get after your work, your mission, your Kingdom life. We hunger for clarity. Show us the way. Amen.