Acts 16:6-10
“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.”

The topic is “When God says no”, and our question is, “Have you ever had that experience in your life?”

Personal Experience

When circumstances lead us into taking on responsibilities in church and opportunities to share faith, it gives joy and pleasure to be helping and reaching out to people, and our pathway can seem very clear, that is what we are meant to be doing at that time.

As an example, just less than four years ago, I was leading a weekly online bible study men’s group, and also regularly visiting my mother with dementia in a nursing home as the only local family. Then an acute health problem resulted in two long waits in hospital emergency, and restricted mobility for three months prior to surgery. Although the discomfort slowed me down a lot, it didn’t stop me leading bible study online or visiting Mum. Surgery occurred after bible study had finished, and I had only just recovered physical strength after surgery when Mum passed away and I needed to move out her belongings within a few days – it was all perfect timing, and confirmation I was doing God’s will.

Three years later, in March of this year, circumstances had changed. There never seemed to be enough time to prepare adequately for leading bible study, I felt I no longer had the physical energy to lead effectively, and taking this as a prayer concern just seemed to confirm I was not meant to lead bible study after that topic finished in May.
A new bible study topic started in September, and I joined a new group as a mere member. Soon after it started, I had a health scare with a fast-growing lump which doctors thought could be, or could quickly become, cancerous, and I found I was not able to focus on bible study for a month or two. I was definitely not meant to be leading at that time, and it confirmed that all the indications which led to me stepping down from leading were part of God’s plan.

And the less demanding roles I now have with church were not affected, I was equipped for those roles with perfect timing.

Reflection

This was a reminder that who we are is not defined by our so-called skills or abilities. Whatever gifts we have are temporary, given for a time and purpose – to be used while there is time and for God’s good purpose. And God will indicate His pathway through the opportunities and blockages He provides.

What does define who we are is our willingness to be led by Him – whether we are open to the leading of His Spirit in our relation to God and our relation to people. And that affects all we think, do, and say. Our “personality” is transformed by the indwelling of the person of Jesus.

Praise God for His gifts and His guidance!