When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to.
Acts 16: 7
Have you ever had to wait for something? Waiting is especially difficult when the need is great. Throughout my ministry, there have been times when I have experienced delays and interruptions and could not go forward with a mission that I believed was God-ordained. I had to wait. This 2020 lockdown for instance, has meant that many of us have had to wait. Some have had to wait on employment, unemployment subsidies, mission trips, to re-open businesses, to celebrate birthday parties, graduation parties, weddings, and other family gatherings. Waiting as we can see from the nation’s angst, takes a special kind of grace. Yet, during my times of waiting, I discovered the gift of trust, rest, and spiritual growth (Proverbs 3: 5-6).
In Acts 16:7, Paul, Silas, and Timothy are prohibited from entering Bithynia by the Spirit of Jesus. Even though their missionary journeys had resulted in the churches on their route being strengthened and growing in numbers daily, Jesus said “No, don’t go that way.” Paul and his companions obeyed. What about you, would you know when Jesus says, “No!” and would you have the willpower to obey or would you charge straight ahead with your agenda because it felt good or right to you? The Holy Spirit calls us forth to a service of work (Colossians 3:23-24), but he also calls us to a service of waiting (Isaiah 40:31). It is in these seasons of waiting that the greatest spiritual growth occurs. It is in these seasons of isolation, that we are able to hear the Shepherd most clearly. It is during these interruptions that our faith roots go deep. Waiting exposes our true motives; it builds patience and anticipation and also transforms our lives.
David had to wait almost 15 years from the time he was anointed until he became King (2 Samuel 5:4). Joseph waited patiently for thirteen years before the dream that God gave him came to fruition (Genesis 41:41), and Elias prayed for 3 years and 6 months before the rains fell (James 5:17). As these biblical characters waited, God was working in the background to move his work forward. Are you in a place of isolation? Has your life been interrupted? Perhaps it is time to wait. The question is, “Are you willing to wait for God to move?” Think about your situation for a minute as you reflect on Isaiah 40:31:
They that wait upon the Lord; Shall renew their strength, They shall mount up with wings as eagles, They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint, Teach me Lord, teach me Lord, to wait.
What has God’s Spirit said to you?
Dear Lord Jesus, in the midst of all the noise and chaos surrounding our world, teach me to wait patiently and prayerfully in your presence. AMEN.