Scripture: Acts 16:6
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.
Thought for the Day: Why would the Holy Spirit keep someone from preaching the Gospel? There is no apparent answer to the question, and some people might simply answer, “It is not our place to ask.” Though I believe in the mystery of God, I also believe nothing should ever be beyond our questions. Maybe it was a timing issue, or could there have been a language problem? These are possibilities, or… and don’t freak on me, could it have simply been an excuse? In my life, I have watched and heard people suggest something was the Spirit, when in fact, I knew very well their alternative motives. I have watched people blatantly lie as they excuse their forgetfulness or failure to complete something as the Spirit. Maybe Paul and his companions didn’t want to go there, or could it be that the author didn’t have a clue why they had not gone. The author might have passed it off to the Spirit, when in fact the Spirit is overhearing this and saying, “Don’t put that one on me.” There is good chance that there was a legitimate reason for them not to preach in the province of Asia, but my experiences have me asking questions.
Prayer: Let me attune my spiritual awareness to you, Holy Gift of Grace, and let me discern and struggle with what you might be trying to tell me. And when I’m uncertain, or just need a cover story, let me never suggest it was all you. Amen.
