“In Between Normals”: A 30 Day Devotion on the Book of Acts预览

Thank You for Saying No

Paul was not in a good place. The "second missionary journey" didn't start well. He had such a big fight with his mentor Barnabas that they had to part company. (15:39-40) His emotions were probably not at their best.

As the journey continued, he kept bumping into obstacles! Somehow, he wasn't able to enter the province of Asia. He changed course, moving North toward Bithynia. But once again, it didn't work out. (Acts 16:6-8)

If it was God's will, why was it so hard?

When God Says No

When we try to navigate our way through the land of "in between normals," we often find ourselves going nowhere. Doors are closed. Nothing seems to work. We wonder if God is even here.

But do you know what prevented Paul from going into Asia and Bithynia? This is what the Bible says.

"Having been kept by the Holy Spirit" (16:6)

"But the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them" (16:7)

Look! God Himself closed the doors, even when Paul was doing God's work!

Next time when obstacles show up, do not be too quick to blame them on Satan or try to "cast out demons." You might be speaking to God Almighty. But why would God say no?

A Better "Yes"

It is because God has a bigger and better "YES" waiting for Paul! By closing the doors, God directed Paul to leave behind the places he wanted to go, travel the road he didn't want to take, and arrive in a place he never wanted to be - Troas! And once Paul got there, God revealed to him his divine plan – Europe! (16:10)

I wonder what Paul was thinking when he was ferrying across the Aegean Sea. I can imagine him standing on the bow, looking into the sea, with winds blowing through his messy hair... (remember Titanic?) ... and meditating on Isaiah 55:9.

"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

My friend, do not lose heart. Sometimes a divine "no" is the most loving thing God can do to you.

Reflection:

Have you ever experienced a divine "no" from God, only to find out that he has a bigger "yes" for you at a later time? What did that teach you about God?