Acts 16:6-10 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. So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
Paul had been set apart and sent by the church to go to the Gentiles. He and his missionary team went boldly, proclaiming the gospel far and wide, following the call the Holy Spirit had given them. But sometimes He said "Stop, don't go there." What an ear we must have for the voice of the Holy Spirit to be able to discern, respond, and obey Him at those times. Just as many things are contrary to our old nature, this must be contrary to our new: to not go somewhere and proclaim the good news. But God knows what He is doing. He is not saying "They do not need the gospel there." Rather, He is sending us where and when it is best for us to go. He has others listening whom He will tell to go there. The Macedonian Call, as it has been labeled, is as much learning to hear God say "no," as it is to hear Him say "Yes, there, now, them." May we learn to discern His voice ever more loudly and clearly day by day, and obey.
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