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. After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them. So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." Acts 16:6-9

What is meant by, “the Spirit did not permit them”? In that particular instance, Paul received a vision from the Lord about going to Macedonia instead of where he was planning to go. I assume we all realize that God does not normally guide us through dreams and visions. In fact, Hebrews 1:1-2 explains that that method of communication is now passé.

God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things…

Paul was an Apostle, and during the transitionary time of the book of Acts, signs, wonders, visions and dreams were still somewhat common. But not now. How does the Spirit guide us today?

Primarily, through His Word. We hear, read, and study scripture to have the mind of God in order to discern the will of God, and then we walk by faith.

Are there times that we may have a strong impression through which the Lord may be leading us? It is possible, but “impressions” can come our way from all sorts of sources that are not from the Spirit of God. To discern whether such impressions are of the Lord (or otherwise), we must seek the Lord in His Word, praying for discernment. If the Word does not support the “impression,” it is not from God. Dear ones, please be careful about attributing impressions that come even from news items and advertising, as being from God.

What do we mean when we say, “Seek the Lord in the word and prayer”? Next time…