Closed Doors and an Open Heart

This week we will be studying Acts 16:6-15.  Paul, Silas, and Timothy are on their way to a place called Bithynia but are thwarted in their efforts by the Holy Spirit.  This isn’t the first time God has closed a door on the group.  They desired to go to Asia and speak the Gospel Message but were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to utter a word.  All this seems strange until Paul has a dream.  This dream is the catalyst to a “chance” meeting with a woman named Lydia.

There are times in our lives that we are prevented from fulfilling what we believe to be the right thing.  Sometimes our own sinful nature gets in the way.  Other times the enemy and his dominion are hard at work.  But still other times God is the one stepping into the picture.  This seems counter to what we understand about God.  After all, doesn’t He want us to do good things?

We who are Christ’s disciples need to trust the Word of God and His guidance.  But to know, hear, and understand His will takes more than a dream.  It takes effort, sacrifice, and a willingness to let go of ourselves in favor of God’s will for our lives.

Do we know what God desires for our lives?  Are we willing to accept God’s will when He closes doors around us?  Remember that one closed door may lead to an open door where we may see the work of God in the heart of one individual.  We may be witness to the salvation of another.

May we be prayerfully ready to head through the open doors when they are revealed to us and may we be prepared for whatever the Spirit may speak to us through His Word.