Not Now Doesn't Mean Not Ever

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 (Acts 16:6)

Did you notice it?  The Holy Spirit actually prevented Paul and his companions from preaching the Word of God at a certain place!  That doesn’t seem like something God would do.  I mean the Holy Spirit inspired the Word and has given God’s people the power to preach the Word, yet here He is keeping them from preaching.  What gives?

The key here is that little phrase, “in the province of Asia.” Paul wanted to go to Asia to preach the Word. It was one of his goals. And a few chapters later he did. But not now. Instead the Holy Spirit stopped him and led him to other cities to preach first. And the response was incredible.

HERE’S THE POINT:  Sometimes God will prevent us from doing certain things that don’t coincide with His will.  It’s not that what we are doing is wrong; it’s just that it’s not the right time.  Not now doesn’t mean not ever.

Maybe it’s because we’re not yet equipped for the task.  Maybe it’s because all the pieces haven’t come together yet.  Maybe we’ll never know.  Whatever the reason, God is the One who decides and His timing is always on time.

If you feel like your dreams are stalling or your goals are in a holding pattern, don’t assume you’ve made a mistake and that it’s not going to happen.  Paul eventually went to Asia and preached the Word.  You’ll eventually get there too.  In the meantime, you’ll just have to trust that if God is the One preventing you from getting there (for the time being), it’s because you are exactly where He wants you to be right now.