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. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
-Acts 16:6-10
Often, we want to go somewhere, and then we try to go somewhere else, and then we get stuck somewhere else we weren't expecting at all. Paul in this passage wanted to go to Asia, he tried to go to Bithynia, but he ended up in Troas. And then, after God closed those doors, he opened a door in Macedonia... and after that, Paul's mission, his work, took off, and the gospel was spread throughout Europe. I think I find myself in Troas a lot. So many times I want to go somewhere, but I can't. Then I try something else, and God leads me in a completley different direction. I'm learning to be happy to be in Troas... to realize that God is still working even when it's hard to see it. I just have to be obedient and willing to listen to his plan. I have to wait. This week, this scripture was brought to my attention twice, Wednesday night and Sunday morning, and I think this song kind of sums up my Troas moment. I'm waiting in the river. Be blessed!
Find me in the river
Find me on my knees
I've walked against the water
Now I'm waiting if you please
We didn't count on suffering
We didn't count on pain
But if the blessing's in the valley
Then in the river I will wait
Find me in the river
Find me there
Find me on my knees with my soul laid bare
Even though You're gone
And I'm cracked and dry
Find me in the river
I'm wating Here.
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