The Pastor’s Corner
Acts 16:1-13.
Closed doors can be frustrating. Paul knew exactly how that felt. On his second missionary journey, during which he had hoped to tell the good news in Asia, the apostle repeatedly found his way blocked by the Holy Spirit. It must have seemed strange that God would prevent him from sharing the gospel.
The Bible doesn’t say how long Paul and Timothy remained in Troas, but we think the apostle didn’t make a move until God showed him a new mission field ( Acts 16:910). Paul’s actions illustrate the principle found in Proverbs 3:5-6 — that God will make a straight path for those who choose to trust in Him rather than in themselves. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
God will surely guide us. We just must trust Him. We must trust God enough to follow His guidance. Christians in a period of waiting should seek God’s purpose and guidance. Ask the Lord why He has barred the way forward —perhaps the timing is wrong, or we have unconfessed sin in our life. Whatever the reason, we must be sensitive to the Spirit’s leading. We also want to be ready for the door that will open.
Under the impulse of the Spirit we will move forward to take the gospel to the unsaved. When checked by the Spirit from going in one direction, we should go in another, trusting the Holy Spirit to either approve or disapprove of our traveling plans. We must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and have faith when we move forward.
When an opportunity is blocked, remember that God has a reason. And He’s providing love and protection, even in your disappointment. The Lord is also keeping His promise to work everything for your good, Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”.
When God closes one door of opportunity, another opens; but we are often so focus on the closed door of opportunity that we fail to see one which God opened for us. To recognize an open door of opportunity is the key between success vs. failure or salvation vs. condemnation.
So, when you face a shut door, first make sure God shut it. Then look for His open door but make sure you depend on His voice and His Word before you walk through any door. When one door has closed, another will open. Be wise and watch for it.
Prayer: Father, we thank you for the gift of Your Holy Spirit Who shows us what we should be doing by opening and closing doors. Enable us to be very attentive to His leading and give us the determination to do what You would have us do with our lives through and for Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
( Editor’s Note: Pastor Tony Sifuentes is the pastor of the Assembly of God Church. He and his wife, Martha, have been ministering in Wolf Point for 11 years, 10 years as lead pastors. Martha is a Spanish teacher at Wolf Point Jr/Sr. High School. They are former residents of Sidney.)
Steven Remington of Wolf Point has earned a bachelor of science in aerospace engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta.
*** Thank You Thanks to everyone who remembered my birthday with flowers, calls and cards. Very heartwarming.
Patricia Wilkinson
