“Now when Paul and Silas had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden of the Holy Spirit to preach the word in the Province of Asia. After they were come to Mysia, they purposed to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit would not allow them to go” (Acts 16:6-7).

Forbidden (Def): (Gr.): Koluo from Kolazo: To prevent, estop by word or action, hinder, withstand

As believers we live our lives and in doing so, we purpose and plan our way. We tend to be somewhat presumptuous, especially in a good matter, such as sharing the Gospel, with our travel plans and itineraries. Such was the case with Paul and Silas on this second missionary trip to some of the Roman Provinces and to revisit areas established during the first journey there.

However, when God says no, plans get changed. It was the Holy Spirit that forbid Paul and Silas from going into the Provinces of Asia and Bithynia. Why? The Lord had other plans. What do they do now? Wait on the Lord.

“And when they had passed by Mysia, they came down to Troy. Then in a vision there appeared to Paul in the night a man of Macedonia, and prayed him saying, ‘Come over into Macedonia and help us’. After Paul had seen the vision, immediately we endeavored to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us to preach the Gospel to them” (Acts 16:8-10).

God often says no to our plans. Are we even listening? When God says no, you stop what you are doing and wait. God may say no to that relationship you have pursued, that job offer, that move you are planning, that vacation, that sale, that mission trip. Sometimes God will break your heart, frustrate your plans, stop your pleasures and joys in life, humble you and tell you to take a lower seat, spoil your riches and opportunities for fortune. Why? To fulfill His eternal purposes and plans for your life which ultimately is to know the Son and be conformed to His image. “To obey is better than sacrifice” (I Samuel 15:22).

When God says no, Apostles change their plans:

“Now I would not have you ignorant, Brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come to you (but was hindered (Koluo) hitherto) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles” (Romans 1:13).

God has said no to many in the Scriptures:

To Balaam (II Peter 2:16; Numbers 22:21-27; to Moses and Aaron (Numbers 20:12); to David (II Samuel 12:18); to the Apostle Paul (II Corinthians 12:7-9), just to name a few.

It behooves us to be wise concerning the Lord, and not be slothful when He is moving among us. A valuable lesson may be learned from the parable of the Ten Virgins, five of whom were left outside when God said no when they wanted to enter into the marriage feast.

“Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But He answered them and said, ‘Verily I say unto you, I know you not’. Watch, therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of Man comes” (Matthew 25:11-13).

When God says no, we can say no, too, as the Scripture says:

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us to say no to ungodliness and worldly lusts, and that we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world” (Titus 2:11-12).

So, I know you are listening to God for the “yes and amen”; but are you also listening for the “no”. When God says no, come into agreement with Him and say, “Yes, Lord, I hear You. Thank you for your love and grace. You are truly my Savior.” Amen.

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