"Denied!"

S
And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”. Acts 16:6-9

O
Paul, Silas, and Timothy were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to evangelize Asia. They, instead, went through Phrygia and Galatia. They were prevented again from entering Bithynia, by the same Spirit. They finally travel to Troas, where Paul receives a vision.

A
I often get frustrated when God doesn't bless my plans. I have everything figured out; how it should all come together, and He fails to bless it. Why? If I'm reading this passage right, it is possible that when He blocks what I intend, it is because He has something else for in mind. In that light, I guess my frustration is often a result of pride: I know better than God what needs to happen. That seems so ridiculous as I write it.

P
Dear Lord, may my response to Your "frustration" of my "plans" always be a sense of wonder and anticipation at what You're about to do next. May I always quickly obey You when you do point the way.

Big Time

S
"Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action." Acts 7:22

O
Moses is described by Stephen as educated in all that the mightiest kingdom of his day could offer. As a result, Moses was a powerful presence: eloquent and highly effective.

A
Moses sounds a lot different in Stephen's description than he does in Exodus chapter four where he claims to be "slow of speech and tongue." What happened during the years between the salad days of Egypt and Moses encounter with God in the Burning Bush? Why would a man who was once so powerful, think so little of his own abilities? One thing's for sure: God didn't choose to use him when his stock was up. He waited until Moses had been brought low in the world's estimation. Is there a pattern here? If this is the way God does things, would I be up for it?

P
Lord, please do what's needed to use me however you want to use me.