Acts 16:6-7

Forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the gospel in Asia and Bithynia.  

Our timing is not always in line with God’s timing.  Being sensitive to the Spirit is the best way to “stay” in God’s will, with His plans and purposes, with His time table.  Part of knowing the right thing to do is often knowing the right time to do it.  How does one learn to be sensitive to His Spirit?  By spending time with Him.  Jesus promised His sheep would recognize His voice. 

I’m reminded of phone calls and how we learn to recognize the voice of a friend – just hearing their voice registers in our memory that we know them, that we share a relationship with them, even though we can’t see them.

Paul logically thought he would go to Asia – to preach.  It would seem to make sense.  He was close and preaching the gospel was his mission.  But God had other plans. Paul is being guided by hindrance. The Holy Spirit often guides as much by the closing of doors as He does by the opening of doors.

How do we know? 

Knowing His word

Godly counsel

Prayer with an open, expectant heart

Being still before Him

(not necessarily in this order)