Acts 16:6 And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia.

I am to stop running down the list of excuses in the devotional John Mark. The only way I know that is because the Spirit is not supporting my effort. It is not that I could not continue, only that the Spirit would not be leading me, it would be an effort of the flesh. So I will stop.

Paul, Silas and Timothy answered the call to reach the Macedonians. God directs the path of His servants to meet His will. The time for Asia was not right, the time for Macedonia was right.

Just how much effort was made by the Spirit in forbidding them to go to Asia is not known. I doubt He sent an angel to stand in the way as He did to Balaam in Numbers 22. It is more likely that they were sensitive to the leanings of the Holy Spirit. It takes some effort to ignore one’s own plans to seek God’s plan.

Isaiah 37:29 Because you have raged against me and your complacency has come to my ears, I will put my hook in your nose and my bit in your mouth, and I will turn you back on the way by which you came.’

The Hebrew word for complacency is ša’ănān and carries with it the idea of quietness, ease, and security. We get comfortable with what we are doing and wish to continue because some level of success has been found, but with the success comes inattentiveness, not seeking instruction.

The flesh seeks comfort, security and ease, and we have been taught the spirit opposes the flesh. Then there will be a still small voice saying, “This is not the way.”

Isaiah 30:21 And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.

As my wise teacher answered me about this passage; “You have to be on the move first.”

Zephaniah 1:12 says that the Lord punishes those who have settled in their lees.

Those who have ears to hear, listen.