Both Proceeding and Waiting

Scripture: Next they traveled through Phrygia and Galatia because the Holy Spirit had told them not to go into the Turkish province of Asia Minor at that time. Then going along the borders of Mysia they headed north for the province of Bithynia, but again the Spirit of Jesus said no. So instead they went on through Mysia province to the city of Troas. Acts 16:6-8

Observation: By this time, Paul's traveling party has grown, and they have a clear purpose. In addition to Paul and Silas, Timothy and Luke are now meaningful members of the team. Their primary mission is to evangelize to the Gentiles, but they also have a secondary charter, which is to tell existing churches the information about the implications of faith as they apply to Jewish laws. However, as they travel, the Holy Spirit is telling them ... no, don't go there.

The Spirit is about to tell them to go to Greek Macedonia, which will take them directly to Philippi. But for now, all they team knows is that God is saying ... no, don't go into Asia Minor or any other place due north of here. Not knowing yet where to go for evangelism, they still don't just sit still. Rather, they continue with their secondary goal, which is visiting existing churches and informing them of the decisions that have come out of Jerusalem.

The Lord is preparing for a specific time and place for the great work of evangelism to continue in Greece. However, the team doesn't just sit around and wait for that time. Instead, they continue to make themselves busy, visiting and encouraging believers, and even picking up a few more to join them in their work. Later, these two will become exceedingly important. For now, they are the harvest produced by faithfully waiting for what to do next.

Application: I am praying into understanding my mission in life. I have never, ever understood what I should be doing, why I am where I am, or how my life contributes to the Lord's purposes. I have felt aimless most of my life, not knowing what I should be doing.

The example of Paul and Silas here tells me two things. First is that ... this happens. Even apostles sometimes don't know what they should be doing, or are even just told "no, don't do that" without the corresponding "do this instead" information. This is normal. The second lesson is that, in the waiting, there is still very meaningful service to do. In fact, there is service that may produce equally great outcomes, even if it feels like a secondary priority.

So now ... I don't know what my direction should be in life, AND I don't know what I should be doing now while I await guidance on that direction. So I will do my best to live as the Lord would advise. I will improve how I love others. I will strive to live well within my church community. I will tell people where I am - at work and in my community - about Jesus. I will pray and strive to improve my relationship with the Lord.

Prayer: Abba, I desire to be closer to you. I know it is my nature to isolate myself, even from you, but that is not truly what I want. Please forgive my sins, and help me to resolve my heart to walk humbly with you daily. If that walk is just here, where I am, in and amongst my existing circumstances, that is great. I desire you alone. Amen.