heavenly light

heavenly light

Saturday 26 June 2010

Direct Communication: Circumstances

Direct Communication: Circumstances

After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them.
Acts 16:7

Recommended Reading
Philippians 1:12-19

Multiple times in a day things happen that influence or change our plans. Yet how many times do we say, "Thank you, Lord. I trust that this change is from You." How often should we say that? Is every single circumstance, large or small, a message from God?

When the apostle Paul and his coworkers were intent on going in one direction in their missionary journey, they were stopped. We don't know how they were stopped; we only know that Luke attributed the circumstance to the Holy Spirit's intervention. Writing in hindsight, Luke realized they were stopped from going to Mysia so they could go into Macedonia (Acts 16:8-10). If we really believe God is sovereign, that He has ordained our days (Psalm 139:16), then a strong case can be made for circumstances being signposts from God: either a new direction, a new correction, or a lesson in patience, submission, or seeking God's will.

At the very least, we know God is guiding us toward at least one goal in every circumstance, good or bad: conformity to Jesus Christ (Romans 8:28-29).

The Holy Spirit loves so to arrange men's circumstances that they are brought within the sphere of God's influence.
Maurice A. P. Wood

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