THE DIVINE GUIDANCE OF UNCERTAINTY!

Tuesday, August 25, 2020

 

THE DIVINE GUIDANCE OF UNCERTAINTY!

 

Acts 16:6-10

6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,

7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.

8 And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.

9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.

10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavored to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

 

2 Cor 2:12-13

12 Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,

13 I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia.

 

           As we begin this morning, it seems reasonable to blend these two portions of Scripture. When we do, we see the unmistakable circumstance of uncertainty as a Divine tool for guidance. We generally think that God guides in very definite ways and in straight paths, but here we can not miss the aspect of uncertainty as part of God’s guiding plan.

 

           First, we see a definite NO from God when Paul’s troupe assayed to go into Asia and Bithynia. The Greek word for “assayed” is peirazo which indicates a plan based on mental calculations and logistics. Literally, it means “to test.” They found the doors closed.

 

           Next, we see a door opened to preach at Troas, but Paul’s spirit was restless because he did not find Titus there. We can assume that a meeting was scheduled there, and Titus failed to show up for one reason or another.

 

           Finally, Paul sees a “vision.” The Greek is horama which means “something gazed at; or a supernatural spectacle.” A man stands beckoning to Paul to come to Macedonia and help them. The language is “assuredly gathering” and the Greek for “gathering” is sumbibazo which literally means “to drive together.” The idea for us is that all the puzzle pieces now fit to make the picture clear.

 

           When God says NO our only correct response is to wait and to busy ourselves with normal and allowable duties. At the core of waiting is trusting. To force God’s hand is to shout that we do not trust Him.

 

Ps 27:14

14 Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.