A lovely faithful praying lady called me this morning. She left me a voicemail message and encouraged me to read Acts 16:6-8. I did.
I place it before you for you to read:

“Paul and his companions travelled 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.”

What is all this about you ask?
I ask too!
Sometimes God prevents things from happening. In this case, the Holy Spirit AND the Spirit of Jesus combine forces to make it VERY clear to Paul and his pals NOT to go to Mysia.

So this got me thinking. I wonder what that word means? Shall I tell you?
The word Mysia is from the root word meaning “abominable, or criminal.” I think that is quite a helpful understanding. The Holy Spirit and the Spirit of Jesus wanted Paul to stay away from Mysia. It was not in the plan. It might have ruined the rest of the plan!

Where were they meant to go? To Troas.

I looked up the word Troas too.

The word “Troas” is from the hebrew word meaning “to penetrate.”

God has a plan for you and for me which is good. His plans will stop us doing something that displeases Him in order that we truly penetrate and perpetrate His will.

This helps me today. In my human self I am sad as I was told this morning that the record company I have been praying into are not interesting in pursuing anything with me.

I am so grateful that the Spirit of Jesus guides us. He shuts doors for us to help us avoid Mysia and lead us to Troas.

May He confirm His will to you today and help you to avoid Mysia at all costs.