“Now they passed through the territory of Phrygia and Galatia, after being forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in [the west coast province of] Asia [Minor]; 7and after they came to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them;” Acts 16:6 AMP
One of the functions of the Holy Spirit is to be a guide. Many a trail and discouragement we face due to not listening or yielding to the voice of the Holy Spirit. If it was important for Jesus to take time and seek God through prayer, so must we! Here we find a perfect example of yielding to the voice to the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul was an extraordinarily learned man. He was strong willed, determined and confident in his understanding of the Scriptures. Once the Holy Spirit came upon him things changed! He no longer relied on his own strength or knowledge but trusted wholly in the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Apostle wrote this about his background.
“But whatever former things were gains to me [as I thought then], these things [once regarded as advancements in merit] I have come to consider as loss [absolutely worthless] for the sake of Christ [and the purpose which He has given my life]. 8But more than that, I count everything as loss compared to the priceless privilege and supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord [and of growing more deeply and thoroughly acquainted with Him–a joy unequaled]. For His sake I have lost everything, and I consider it all garbage, so that I may gain Christ,” Philippians 3:7-8 AMP
The Holy Spirit gave him clear vison and understanding of his call in Christ. The leadership of the Holy Spirit is an outward sign that you are a son of the Most High!
“For all who are allowing themselves to be led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading again to fear [of God’s judgment], but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons [the Spirit producing sonship] by which we [joyfully] cry, “Abba! Father!” 16The Spirit Himself testifies and confirms together with our spirit [assuring us] that we [believers] are children of God.” Romans 8:14-16 AMP
God had a sovereign plan that included centuries ahead of the Apostle’s time. Natural reasoning would have told Paul that going Northwest was not a good idea! Yet, with a yieldedness of heart, Paul followed the Holy Spirit’s direction. As a result, the Gospel made it to Europe and ultimately preserved through the Dark Ages! If you read through the book of Acts, you will find extraordinary and supernatural miracles taking place because the men and women of God were responding to the voice and direction of the Holy Spirit. We can trust that the Ministry of the Holy Spirit is alive and well in 2025! In Peter’s sermon he made an important statement regarding the Holy Spirit.
“For the promise [of the Holy Spirit] is for you and your children and for all who are far away [including the Gentiles], as many as the Lord our God calls to Himself.” Acts 2:39 AMP
Are you one of those who were “far away?” The gift of the Holy Spirit was exactly that, a gift! When a gift is received you have two choices, accept and use it or put it aside and let it sit dormant! Take time today to seek out the gift that was given to you and watch and see what God will do! Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken