A Window Opens
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Acts 16:7 And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them.
Ever had an awesome idea that should have made you a millionaire? Don't be modest—most of us have at one time or another had an idea for a product or service that we later saw someone else create in a spectacular fashion. In some cases we have even made attempts to create the item or to start the service, but we were met with opposition or circumstances that kept the opportunity from coming to fruition. Then, despite our efforts, someone else accomplishes the very thing we wanted to accomplish. And it is extremely frustrating, even heartbreaking, to know that someone completed the thing that we dreamed of doing.
A few years ago my wife and I had an idea for a product. It was born out of the frustration of trying to keep some Christmas related items organized and stored in our home. We talked about it for weeks, and had some very good ideas. But neither of us is very technically skilled so we never moved forward with the idea. To our surprise, we discovered an almost identical product during our Christmas shopping the next year. What a bummer! But here’s the interesting thing—we haven’t seen one since. It apparently never really took off as a sought after product. We could have spent tons of hours and money on something that could have caused us a mountain of frustration. God seemed to have protected us from something that could have been damaging to our household and possibly our relationship.
Sometimes we’ve seen these issues in our personal ministries as well. I once heard a testimony from a man who was beginning to receive a lot of notoriety early in his ministry. He was being asked to all kinds of events to speak about some phenomenal things happening in his church. At one of these events, he was sitting on the stage waiting for his turn to speak when he began to thank the Lord for this particular opportunity. He was surprised to hear Holy Spirit say to him that the opportunity was not one he had created. The man was shocked and quite shaken. He proceeded to complete his sermon, but it wasn’t particularly inspiring or beneficial. He later realized through this event that not every thing that looks like it is good is necessarily from the Lord.
Paul was experiencing this when he decided to minister in a particular area of the Middle East. He wanted to go to this area, but Jesus himself stopped him. Why? What difference would it make where he ministered as long as he shared the gospel? The difference is in God’s planning. In this situation, God wanted Paul to minister to the area of Macedonia, and he appeared in a dream to give him this direction.
We often want to do what seems to be something good, but if it’s not supported by the Lord, it is of no value at all. After all, “Unless the Lord builds the house,those who build it labor in vain…” (Psalm 127:1a). But let's not lose heart; a loss of opportunity often means there is an alternative on the horizon. It could be that old adage; if a door closes, look for God to open a window.
God bless us all with his wisdom and love.
eddie