“And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them.” – Acts 16:6-7
One of the more interesting aspects of living a life led by the Holy Spirit is being sensitive enough to tell when the Spirit is saying, “No”. Paul was wise enough to discern when God was opening doors and when He was closing them. Why would God do this? Why would His Spirit sometimes say no to preaching and making disciples in a particular place?
God may have a bigger vision or more fruitful plans for us. During our brief earthly lives following Jesus, there are many good things we could be doing to serve God’s Kingdom. Only God knows what’s best for us, our gifts, our talents, and His Kingdom. We mustn’t let our passion for the good things we easily see consume the time and energy God wants invested in the best things we may not yet see. God was saying no to Asia because He had a bigger vision and better plans for Paul in Europe.
God may also have particular works prepared for someone else and we shouldn’t be trying to do them. There was important ministry to be done in the province of Asia. However, God had that reserved for others (for example, the Apostle John). God uniquely prepares good works for each of His children to do, and we shouldn’t be trying to do someone else’s good works. Understanding this reality is particularly important when God calls us out of one ministry we’re familiar with to something new. We may have trouble letting go of the old, but God probably already has that ministry work prepared for someone else.
It may also be a matter of God’s timing. In our hurry, we like to force things on our timetable. However, God operates on a completely different timetable based on perfect knowledge of all things past, present, and future. Sometimes God’s Spirit tells us “No” because it just isn’t the right time for what we want to do.
Bigger plans, other workers, God’s timing. Just as God can say, “Yes, go”, He can also say, “No, stop!” Will you seek to understand His will either way? Will you trust God enough to obey regardless of which He says?