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marbella3 70F
2480 posts
6/28/2019 3:32 am

Last Read:
6/28/2019 6:15 pm

Divine Diversions

Bible in a Year:

Job 11–13; Acts 9:1–21
They tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to.

Acts 16.7

Acts 16:6-10
It can be difficult when we’re told “no” or “not now,” especially when we sense God has opened a door for us to serve others. Early in my ministry, two opportunities came my way where I thought my gifts and skills matched the churches’ needs, but both doors eventually closed. After these two disappointments, another position came along, and I was selected. With that ministry call came thirteen years of life-touching pastoral labors.

Twice in Acts 16 Paul and company were redirected by God. First, they were “kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia” (v. 6). Then, “When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to” (v. 7). Unknown to them, God had other plans that would be right for His work and workers. His no to the previous plans put them in a position to listen to and be confidently led by Him (vv. 9–10).

Who among us hasn’t grieved what we initially thought to be a painful loss? We’ve felt wounded when we didn’t get a certain job, when a service opportunity didn’t materialize, when a relocation got derailed. Though such things can momentarily be weighty, time often reveals that such detours are actually divine diversions that God graciously uses to get us where He wants us, and we are grateful.

Reflect & Pray
What loss have you grieved only to be grateful that what you desired you didn’t get? How did the situation serve to bolster your trust in the Lord?

Father, I praise You that in Your wisdom You know how to best arrange my life. Thank You for protecting me through Your detours.


MrsJoe 76F
17309 posts
6/28/2019 6:37 am

There have been times I had a "check in my spirit" about something that I was going to do or wanted to do. Some times, I have ignored it and been sorry later. Other times, I followed that leading, even though I wasn't pleased to not do something I wanted to do, and was later at peace with the decision to not do it.

Be a prism, spreading God's light and love, not a mirror reflecting the world's hatred.


TxJW400 81M

6/28/2019 2:52 pm

Last year I was sitting in my boat on the lake near a submerged beaver hut.
I was about to lift my lure out of the water when this monster bass erupted out of the water with the lure splashing water on me & into the boat.
Then it swam down deep with me hanging on for dear life. Suddenly the line broke & I wanted to dive in after that monster. Then the light bulb came on.
It said you can't swim do not do it. Today I am at peace and thankful that I lived to tell about it.
Pray On!