El Shaddai Assembly of God


An Open Door

Read Acts 14:1 through 16:40

Paul…having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia…. the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to…. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us” (Acts 16:6,7,9).

Twice God forbade Paul and his missionary party to go north into Asia, but directed them to Macedonia on the mainland of Greece. This caused the gospel to be spread in Europe instead of Asia. Because the gospel was planted in Europe it came to America on the Mayflower.

Because God directed Paul to Troas, hundreds of years later the United States of America was founded as a Christian nation and has been used of God to send missionaries all over the world. These few verses in Acts should cause tears of thankfulness and joy as we humbly realize, God in His sovereign grace sent Paul to Europe. What a challenge for Christians to take the gospel to those who have not received it!

Challenge for Today: When you are actively seeking the Lord’s will and He closes doors, watch for Him to open another door instead.

Quicklook: Acts 16:6–15

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