Daily Devotion for August 28, 2006

Holding Patterns

 

When they (Paul and his companions) 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 16:7-10

 

Have you ever had the experience of spending a long day traveling? Perhaps you rose early and hustled to the airport, only to wait through line after line at the ticket counter and security checkpoints. You rush to the gate, board you plane, and trek through a second airport to change planes. Finally, settling into your seat on the second plane, you breathe a ragged sigh of relief. As the plane alights and tucks its wheels beneath it, you think, “I’ll be at my destination soon. Nothing can stop us now.” Just before time to land, the captain comes over the loudspeaker, “We’ve encountered some weather, folks. We’re going to be up here awhile in a holding pattern.” Tired and impatient, you fly around and around, unable to reach your intended destination.

 

 That’s how Paul and his companions might have felt on their trip. They were weary from traveling a long while. They traveled through Mysia (an Asian province) and arrived at Bithynia (another Asian province), no doubt looking forward to a warm meal and a good night’s sleep before rising refreshed to do God’s work. But the Spirit of Jesus (the Holy Spirit) would not allow them to enter. Were they confused? Frustrated? Thankful? We know only what they did next. They continued on in a holding pattern until God gave Paul a green light for the group to continue on to Macedonia.

 

 How do we react when God puts us in a holding pattern in our lives? Do we fight against the obstacles and roadblocks God places in our way or do we trust God and wait patiently?

 

Prayer
Lord God, I know You want me to be honest when I pray, and honestly, living in a holding pattern is frustrating. I want to serve you. I don’t want to sit still. Help me to trust you during this time, not to complain. In Jesus’ holy name I pray, Amen.

 

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