EASIER TO STEER A MOVING CAR
ACTS 16:6-10 NKJV
6 Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. 7 After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them. 8 So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." 10 Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them.
This passage is a good example of how to follow the Holy Spirit's leading.
The Holy Spirit was involved in where and when Paul was to preach the gospel of Christ.
He was forbidden to preach the word in Asia. The Holy Spirit did not stand in front of him with a stop sign. In all likelihood, Paul was heading to Asia and had a check in his heart. A stop sign inwardly. Some may call it a gut feeling. In Romans 8, Paul spoke of an inward witness, or inward knowing.
When they tried to go to Bithynia once again, the Holy Spirit said no go. So Paul and his group kept moving.
Finally, Paul had a vision of a man asking him to come to Macedonia, and after determining this was the Lord's direction, that's where they went.
Before Jesus left the earth, He gave us insight into the Holy Spirit and His role in our lives. One of the Holy Spirit's main jobs is to guide us into all truth. He acts as a guide. He knows the future and knows the way we are to walk.
Paul valued the Holy Spirit's ministry in his life and endeavored to follow his guidance.
APPLICATION:
Notice that Paul was moving in a direction when he received direction. He was, in a sense, a moving car. He was not still, and it became easier for the Holy Spirit to guide him.
Over the years, I have encouraged people to follow this principle. Start moving in a direction and see if you sense peace or uneasiness. Of course, I am working with the assumption that they are moving in a good direction to begin with. There is no need seeking the direction of the Lord regarding robbing a bank or hurting someone.
No, we are talking about pursuing the plan and will of God for your life. When your heart is to follow Him, you are already on the right road. So start moving and allow the Holy Spirit to shine light on your path.
PRAYER:
Lord, I desire Your will for my life. I want to serve You and be pleasing to You. Show me the path You would have me take.