Acorn Build Up: The "NO" Answer

The "NO" Answer

Acts 16:6-7
Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to.

I've heard it said that God answers all our prayers with "yes", "no", or "not yet". Paul ran into a series of "no" answers. He wanted to preach in these areas and God said no. We may never know why God says no, but we must learn to trust that a closed door is according to God's plan.

If Paul had gone through one of these closed doors, then he would likely not have had the opportunity to share his message with Lydia (Acts 16:14-15). Without hearing Paul's message, Lydia and her household would not have become believers. God had a good plan!

Beyond trusting in God's plan, we must also keep in mind that a closed door suggests a different path, not the end of our journey. In other words, when God says no we must turn and find another door to try. As the old saying goes, when God closes a door He opens a window.

Try the window!
Lon