5.3. CIRCUMSTANCES THAT CONFIRMED THE JOURNEY

Silas was available.

Acts 15:40 "And Paul chose Silas, and departed, ..." (KJV)

As a gifted prophet Silas was ideally suited to accompany Paul in strengthening churches. This was positive confirmation of the journey, by the Holy Spirit.

In Acts 13:1-4, the Holy Spirit spoke. It is stated they were sent by the Holy Spirit. In the second journey Paul chose Silas (Acts 5:40 ). And they were commended by the brethren to the grace of God. This time the Lord used this seasoned servant's wisdom to choose the properly gifted companion. The Spirit gave an impression or prompting that was acted upon by faith not sight.

Again the Lord confirmed by making Timothy available.

Acts 16:1 "Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, ..." (NKJV)

He had the confidence of the local leadership and their commendation. Paul wanted him in the team - did what was necessary to make him acceptable to the Jews, (Acts 16:3 ). The desire and the availability of the right young man was sufficient guidance.

There was a fulfilment of the purposes that prompted the desire in Paul's heart.

Acts 16:4,5 "And as they went through the cities, they delivered to them the decrees to keep, which were determined by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem.5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily. " (NKJV)

God does guide us as we take the step of faith, which He confirms as we go along, by arranging the circumstances.

Acts 16:6,7 "Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. 7 After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them." (NKJV)

They were checked from taking the wrong direction.

We are not told specifically. There is no mention of prophecy or revelation, or happenings like missing a boat, or a sprained ankle. It would seem the check came by inward restraint. The fact being, the door was shut twice to them. They tried to go south - then north - they went as far west as they could, to Troas, a seaport on the main trade-route between Asia and Macedonia. They travelled for what seemed wasted weeks of weary travel - perhaps frustrated by passing through populated cities with heavy restraint on them, awaiting further orders.

The Lord sometimes tests our endurance and peace by making abundantly clear what we are NOT to do; and leaving what we ARE to do absolutely dark. When checked by the Spirit we must not push our way through the wall, but wait for the Spirit to open the door.

With the vision of the man of Macedonia (Acts 16:9-10 ), the Holy Spirit showed Paul and company how everything fitted into place. The circumstances, the restraints, were to culminate in Paul and company entering Europe. A great decision was made that was to have an impact on world evangelisation. The great lesson for us is that our God is a wonderful arranger of circumstances, and in them we can know His perfect leading.