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  • Writer's picturePs. Albert Ng

Day 17: Thank You for saying No

Reading: Acts 16:1-14


Life is tough.


This was supposed to be another highlight for Paul. But it wasn't. At least in the beginning.


Paul was not in a good place.


The "second missionary journey" didn't start well. He had such a big fight with his mentor Barnabas that they had to part company. (15:39-40) His emotion was probably not at his best.


Roughly around this time, he wrote the Letter to the Galatians, fighting a battle with a group of Jewish Christians who were preaching "a different" gospel! (Gal 1:6) Paul was fuming and said some strong words!


Now, his plan kept bumping into obstacles! Somehow he wasn't able to go into the province of Asia. He changed course, moving North toward Bithynia. But once again, it didn't work. (Acts 16:6-8)


If it is God's will, why is it so hard?


When God says No


Does this sound familiar to you?


When we try to find our way through the land of "in between normals," we often found ourselves going nowhere. Doors are closed. Nothing seems to work. We wonder if God is even here.


But the story doesn't end here.


Do you know what prevented Paul from going into Asia and Bithynia? Here are the reasons:


"having been kept by the Holy Spirit ..." (16:6)

"but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them" (16:7)


Look! It is God Himself who closed the doors, even when Paul was doing God's work!


Next time when obstacles show up in front of you, do not be too quick to blame it on Satan or try to "cast out demons." You might be speaking to God Almighty.


So, why did God say no?


A Better "Yes"


It is because God has a bigger and better "YES" for Paul!


By closing the doors, God directed Paul to leave behind the places he wanted to go, travel the road he didn't want to take, and end up in a place he never wanted to be - Troas!


Why?


Paul was asking the same question too!


But you know what, God was waiting for Paul in Troas to reveal to him his next assignment. Once Paul arrived, physically and spiritually, God broke the silence and spoke to him.


In short, God was calling Paul to expand his mission work to Europe! (16:10)


Europe!! Never thought of that!


I wonder what Paul was thinking when he was crossing the Aegean Sea. I can imagine him standing on the boat, looking into the sea, with winds blowing on his messy hairs ... (remember Titanic?) ... and meditating on Isaiah 55:9.


"As the heavens are higher than the earth,

so are my ways higher than your ways

and my thoughts than your thoughts."


This is another "Ah .... I see" moment for Paul.


My friend, don't lose heart. Sometimes a divine "no" is the most loving thing God can do to you.


You may not know about tomorrow, but you do know who holds tomorrow, and you know who holds your hand. Be faithful!


Reflection:


Have you ever experienced a divine "no" from God, only to find out that he has a bigger "yes" for you at a later time? How did that teach you about God? Are you experiencing a divine "no" now? What do you think God is teaching you?



Prayer for Today:


Father God,


You love me as so much as your child, and you know exactly what is good for me. Even though sometimes I don't quite understand why you say "no," I choose to believe that you know better than me. But God, I can't hide my disappointments, so please work in my heart and comfort me. I choose to trust that you will reveal a better "yes" to me at your own timing.


In Jesus name. Amen.





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