An Open Door

There have been so many decisions in my life that I have made even when I wasn’t quite sure which direction to go. Each one of us encounters crossroads where we must choose one way or the other. Sometimes, the answer is not always clear, but we go with what we know at the time. We trust, pray and hope that the Lord will guide us to the next step. In Acts 16, Paul received a direct word from God concerning his next decision. Acts 16:6-10 says, “Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the Word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night, Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’ After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.”
This passage of Scripture taught me a few things about God’s guidance and direction. First of all, Paul and his companions were yielded to the Spirit of God. The Spirit “kept” them from preaching the Word of God in the province of Asia even though they may have not had all of the answers as to why they were not permitted to do so. Secondly, they kept moving. There was a closed door in the province of Asia, so they moved on to the border of Mysia. They tried to enter Bithynia, but again the Spirit of God would not allow them to. They kept moving and proceeded to enter Troas. Once Paul made it into Troas, the Spirit of God sent a vision to Paul concerning Macedonia. The other principle I learned from this passage is that once Paul received the vision from God, He concluded that God called them to preach the Gospel in Macedonia and they left immediately the next day. When making a decision, we need to stay yielded and willing to do whatever it is that God asks of us. We need to keep moving until we find an open door, and when God makes something perfectly clear, follow through immediately.

The book of Proverbs contains some very helpful passages about decision making. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” In this passage is an instruction as well as a promise. Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed.” And Proverbs 19:21 tell us, “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Obviously, the Lord desires to be a huge factor in our decision making. He is the only One who can direct us effectively and we know that He will always direct us into the right way—the Jesus Way. As we continue to walk the Jesus Way, let us consider the example of Paul and heed the ancient Proverbs before we take our next steps. Sometimes the way is dark and uncertain, but Jesus is the Light and in Him is no darkness as we read in 1 John. Psalm 119:105 reminds us that God’s Word is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path. God, we thank You; for You did not leave us alone to find our way in this vast creation. You promise to never leave us nor forsake us. You promise to guide us as we seek You; and You promise that our plans will succeed as we commit them to You. We know that You will provide the open doors for us and we can walk in peace and safety with You by our side.

Wherever He leads I’ll go
Wherever He leads I’ll go
I’ll follow my Christ who loves me so
Wherever He leads I’ll go.