The Eternal Guide

” (They) …were forbidden of the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia…they tried to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit did not allow them.” Acts 16:6-7

Dear Ones:

Believing in God can be a real problem, especially when we approach the issue from a physiological perspective.  For example, let’s look at a vase in which we can put flowers.  Then let’s look at the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.  The vase was made to hold water, so that the flowers in it would last as long as possible.  But how could one ever put the ocean in a vase?  Such is the dilemma before us.  The Bible calls us “earthen vessels,” vases, if you will.  Then we look at our Maker, and Redeemer, the Eternal God, from everlasting to everlasting, the Almighty,  and Sovereign God.  How could He ever FIT into our hearts?  From a physiological perspective, and human reason, it is impossible.  That which makes this “impossibility” a reality is the beautiful and wonderful truth that, not only has the Creator designed us to receive Him, but the Redeemer of all ages has provided the means by which this is to be so.  We should at this point, in the face of such a wonderful vision,  echo the words of the Apostle Paul to the believers at Rome:  “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out.” (11:33)  So, how does the eternal Christ become, and BE, our Guide?

When Saul of Tarsus became the Apostle Paul, he was commissioned to “…bear the name of Christ before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel.” (Acts 9:15)  But how, and where, will he do this?  There is no doubt that Paul would learn to commit his way unto the Lord, and trust in Him to guide.  There is also no doubt that Paul would learn not to lean unto his own understanding, but to acknowledge the Lord in all his ways.  But there were times when we see just how specific, and real, is the Guiding Hand of Christ.  It was during Paul’s second missionary journey that the Holy Spirit forbid him to speak the word of God in Asia.  Why?  Scripture does not tell us why.  Perhaps the people in Asia were not ready to hear.  Perhaps there were unforeseen dangers that would be detrimental to the ministry and testimony of Christ.  That which we DO know is that God is sovereign, all-knowing, and all-wise.  A second time, Paul would seek to go where the Holy Spirit did not want him to go.  We do not doubt the motives or intentions of the Apostle, but we do see that he must defer to the guidance of God the Holy Spirit.  It is at this time, when the door of “opportunity” was closed twice, that God would give to Paul clear guidance as to where to go and minister.  “A vision appeared to Paul in the night….a Macedonian man besought him saying, ‘Come over into Macedonia, and help us.'” (Acts 16:9)  The Eternal, Everlasting, and wise God, is able, with small vessels as we are, to reveal Himself to our hearts, and to guide us with assurance.  It is as we truly believe Him, commit all to Him, and wait upon Him wholly, that He will make clear all that we need to know and see.

Dear Father, Father of light and clarity, guide us today in Thy sovereign wisdom and power.  Enable us to truly trust Thee, always deferring to Your sovereign work and will, believing Thee to do the wonderful thing that shall bring great glory to Thy name.  We thank Thee in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Love, Dad