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Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
In Acts 16:7, we read of how God has to close certain doors sometimes - doors which we desire to go through - and our motives can be high and pure and worthy - but GOD HAS SOMETHING ELSE FOR US. We don't always see that at the time, and when HE says "NO", He doesn't always give us the reason and full explanation. We just have to accept what HE says, and that HE is Sovereign. Jesus Christ is LORD and our calling, role, task and joy is to serve HIM. Come to terms with this hard challenging lesson. That is the best way to live!
The missionary team came to Mysia, and they wanted to go north east to Bithynia.
But the Holy Spirit would not let them. Some people give in when they do not get their own way, but if we are going to do something real and lasting for God, we have to be prepared to permit God to lead us at such moments - closing doors and opening doors.
Paul never gave in nor gave up - not even when God did not let him have his own way.
Guidance comes to those who are on the move. It is easier to guide someone who is moving with God, and God is always on the move. It is difficult to follow a parked car!
If people are comfortable where they have always been, it is very hard to get them moving - never mind guiding them.
It wasn't that Bithynia wasn't important, but God had other plans for Paul. And this can be a hard lesson to learn.
You do what God wants you to do. You go where God send go, and when you set out you may not know where you are going to end up - and sometimes that is just as well!
What does God want you to do, and where does He want to send you so that you can remain in the centre and heart of His Holy and Perfect Will?
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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