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LEARN & GROW
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Week of March 1, 2009
KEY VERSE
And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. (Acts 16:7)
CENTRAL TRUTH
God may shut the door on my plans in order to open up a new and far-reaching ministry in another area.
DEVOTION
Have people ever poisoned their minds against you and attempted to get others to turn against you, too? And when you traveled to a different city, did the people there mistakenly treat you like you a god? Both of those things happened to Paul and Barnabas in Acts 14. How would you have reacted? What was the driving force behind Paul and Barnabas' travels? They wanted to tell everyone the Good News that Jesus is the Messiah, and they wanted to persuade others to believe. They were passionate about their message. And because they continued to preach, they were attacked, beaten, and imprisoned. Yet, they continued to look for those who wanted to believe, and they stayed to disciple the new believers, planting a church in each city as they traveled. They endured a good bit of suffering as they preached, but they continued to press on. Then came the plan to visit Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus prevented them from going there. How do you think they reacted at first? They were used to opposition from fellow Jews and even had beautifully dealt with a controversy in the church over circumcision. (Acts 15) Were they surprised that the Lord closed the door? The Scripture doesn't tell us. We are told that during the night Paul had a vision from the Lord which pointed him to his next area of ministry. How many times, during our own dark nights, we are looking for God's direction for our next steps! What Paul didn't know was that he was headed to Philippi, which would open up one of the most fruitful times of his ministry. Think of Lydia, the Philippian jailer, and Paul's letter to the Philippians. God does sometimes close doors on ministry, and we might wonder why or what our next steps should be. We can rest and wait for God's direction and have courage, just as Paul did when God said, "Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you." (Acts 18:9)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What ministry has God given you in which to use your talents and spiritual gifts?
- What would you do if the door closed on your ministry? Can you commit to trusting Him with the next steps?
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