«Now when they [Paul and Silas] had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia» (Acts 16:6).
My friend Anne has a giant kite. Her family gave it to her for her birthday. Today, taking advantage of the sun and the breeze, we went to a park to play with it. It really takes talent and arm strength to fly a kite that size. Above all, however, we needed wind. It seems like a self-evident truth, but it’s true! As soon as the wind stopped, we had to go home. No matter how much talent and experience you have, you cannot fly a kite without wind.
Sometimes we make plans, and everything works well. Suddenly, the wind stops. Our dreams, which seconds before had reached new heights, drop to the ground like a kite. Then we can start doubting and wondering if God really called us or if we imagined it. At times like this, the story of Paul helps me a lot. In the midst of a missionary journey, Paul and Silas wanted to visit Asia Minor (present-day Turkey), but the Spirit prevented them from doing so. Although they wanted to do something good—preach the gospel—God did not allow it. The reasons do not appear in the Bible. Perhaps it was a bad time, or perhaps Paul and Silas weren’t the right people. The interesting thing is that Paul accepted that change humbly, knowing that God would guide him by opening doors and also closing them.
Pioneer David Livingstone wanted to go to China, but God sent him to Africa. Missionary William Carey wanted to go to Polynesia, but God sent him to India. Preacher Adoniram Judson went to India, but God led him to Burma. God guides us by opening and closing doors along the way. Paul’s and Silas’ plan was to reach the small towns of the Asia Minor region, but God led them to Macedonia. God wanted to evangelize all of Europe! The change of plans meant that Luke (who would later write the book of Acts, thus sharing this powerful story with all of us) could join the journey. God knows what He is doing when He says, «No.»
When the wind of the Holy Spirit changes direction, trust. He who called us is faithful and worthy.
Dear Lord, when my plans don’t work as I expect, help me to stop, take a breath, and consider whether You are closing a door to open a better one. Help me surrender to your will.
I don’t want to waste time and energy trying to force open a lock.
#WomensDevotional
#RadioJovenAdventista
#MeditacionesDiarias
Take From: Devotional Thoughts for Women 2022
«NO FEARS»
BY: VANEZA PISSUTO
Collaborators: Alexandra Pérez & Angelica Cuate.
