STUCK IN A PLACE CALLED TROAS
"6 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. 7 After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them. 8 So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. 9 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.” 10 Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them." Acts 16:6-10.
Apostle Paul and his missionary team were deeply committed to taking the Gospel of the Lord Jesus to places where no one had ever heard it. Most of the places they visited are now in modern day Turkey. Next was Asia. But the Holy Spirit stopped them from proceeding. Undaunted, they turned toward Bithynia. But once again they were hindered by the Holy Spirit from going there. So with no clear idea what to do next they went to Troas. As they were waiting on the Lord for direction in Troas, Paul receive a vision. The vision of the Macedonia resulted in their sailing from Troas to Neapolis. From Neapolis to Philippi, a city in Macedonia. Acts 16:11–12.
The ancient Macedonia Kingdom is made up of present day Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia, Kosovo, Albania and North Macedonia. Up to that point, the Gospel had been restricted to Middle East and Asia. Many historians credit Paul’s answering the Macedonian call as the reason for the spread of Christianity into Europe and the Western world. Had they followed their original plans, their ministries would have been confined to modern Turkey. Paul and his team planted several churches in Macedonian cities. A church was established in Philippi Acts 16:40, Thessalonica Acts 17:4, and Corinth Acts 18:1–11. These churches were crucial in the growth of the early church. Five of the New Testament Epistles were written to these churches. The history of the church was forever changed because of the vision known as the Macedonian call that Apostle Paul received at Troas.
Beloved, have you ever felt like you were doing what God wanted you to do but your plans were frustrated? This was how Paul and others felt. Although their motives were genuine and sincere, but God would not let them proceed. What they did not realize is that God was closing the doors into Turkey so that they might take the Gospel into Europe. Just because a road is clear doesn’t mean it’s the one God intends for us to follow.
DIVINE ROADBLOCKS:
“8 For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. 9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9.
A roadblock can be defined as a hindrance, barrier, embargo or restriction to success. It is a siege, blockade, a ban, or restriction. Once there is a barrier there will be no movement. Roadblocks can be physical or spiritual. Still there is a big difference between Satanic roadblocks and divine roadblocks. Satanic roadblocks are barriers erected by Satan to limit or restrict: "Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us." 1 Thessalonians 2:18. In this verse Apostle Paul declared his determination to visit the church in Thessalonica, but he points out that his desire didn't come to pass because Satan prevented him.
Divine roadblocks are barriers set in place by God to protect us from stepping outside of His will and timing. He has the power to open or close doors! If you're facing a roadblock in life or ministry today, ask God to open it. But if He doesn’t, try asking why and listening to His response. God has a plan and a blueprint for everyone! Sometimes He'll position embargoes or roadblocks in front of us that call for our immediate decision to stop or go in another direction. Rather than getting angry thank God because He is leading you to a better place. When an opportunity you thought was going to come through ends up becoming a disappointment or when a relationship ends, you may feel hurt and discouraged. Maybe you didn’t get the job you allied for. In such times we must not doubt the goodness of the Lord. God knows the best plan for you! You must not lose hope when what you desire seem out of reach. In such times, it may be that God's packaging something bigger and better.
A divine roadblock is not a punishment from God! It test faith and build perseverance. A divine roadblock is a sign that God has something else for you. It prevent mistakes. A divine roadblock redirect our walk. Sometimes God puts up roadblocks when we are going the wrong way. He close some doors so that we can redirect our focus and direction. God puts up roadblocks so that we can learn to pray and seek His face. Roadblocks teach us to pray more. In such times, prayers of enquiry is needed. Matthew 7:7-8. At times God allows roadblock so that we will stop trusting in man. Psalms 118:8. God closes a door when you’re not ready for the great thing He has in store for you. The roadblock is a sign for you to wait for His time. At other times God puts up a roadblock when He's still preparing you for the task ahead. He closes a door in other to stop you from getting so busy with other things which can make you forget what you were created for. God can stop you from getting certain contracts or jobs because of a bigger purpose. He may temporarily close the doors of an opportunity for ministry until you’re ready. Divine roadblocks should not be a cause for worry. It is only when we are in a Troas situation that we sometimes seek the face of God in other to receive direction to go to our destination.
What must we do when we encounter a divine roadblock?
1. Submission to the will of God. Paul and his team of missionaries didn’t try to force their way through the roadblocks. Instead they humbly submitted to the will of God. Surrender to God and His will today.
2. Developed a deeper relationship with God.
3. Pray and fast. “pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17. Pray, pray and pray some more.
4. Give thanks to God. Lazarus was still inside the grave when Jesus gave thanks. John 11:41.
5. Spend time in praise and worship.
6. Read and Meditate on the Word of God.
7. Be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Next time you face a roadblock, practise waiting, pray, have faith, and listen to what God has in store for you.
THE SEASON OF WAITING:
Paul and his team understood that it is futile to struggle against God. They acknowledged that life's direction must come from God alone. So they WAITED in Troas! Do you sometimes feel like you are stuck in Troas? We have all been there! You have goals, dreams and desires to accomplish something great but you aren’t there yet. Are you waiting to receive instructions and directions from God? Psalm 37:34. Perhaps you have been waiting for long and you feel like giving up. Are you waiting for a soul mate or business partner? Are you waiting for God to give you signals to start a ministry? Maybe you're waiting on Him to make things clearer. Are you waiting on the Lord to provide resources? Sometimes the best thing we can do is nothing but to wait.
It is the season of waiting that the Lord reveals, refreshes, renews and strengthens us! Without it we cannot face the challenges to come. No amount of prayer or fasting will move the Hands of God until He is ready. Waiting is to anticipate and confidently hope in God for something that will take place. It is knowing and trusting in the principles, promises, purposes, and power of God for our life's goals. Waiting is to seek the face of the Lord. There is a difference between seeking the face of the Lord and seeking His Hands. If your thoughts are only on what you can receive from Him, then you're seeking His Hands. To seek the face of God is to focus on Him, not simply on our desired outcome. The time of waiting is a test of our obedience to God. The waiting season are designed to increase our faith. It is in the season of waiting that we receive our own 'Macedonia Call.' The time of waiting is when we receive our God-given vision or purpose. The waiting season is the training and growing season. Waiting is resting in God’s timing while taking care of the present tasks. To wait on the Lord means to be content and patient! It is to have a single and consistent focus on God. Waiting is to be at rest. It is to ceased from following our own agenda or plans in other to hear from God. His answers and timing are always a reflection of His love. The waiting season give us time to reflect on our failures so that we don’t repeat them again. It is a time to reflect on what we believe God wants us to do. It is in the waiting season that we pass the test of endurance. Once the waiting season is over, it is time to start over with a new beginning.
1. Seek the Lord.
The relationship you build with God will sustain you now and prepare you to receive what you’re waiting for. Turn your time of waiting into an active pursuit of the heart of God. Seek Him, know Him, love Him.
2. As you wait on the Lord, resist the urge to worry or complain.
Worry only makes you miserable. So stop it; start trusting and praising God. Philippians 2:14-15.
3. Stay in the Word.
The Bible is our anchor in times of waiting. Use this time to read and meditate on the Scriptures, both for encouragement and to be prepared for whatever answer the Lord brings. Psalm 130:5. Read it every day, asking God to give you passages which will help you. Study the Word; seek answers; claim God’s promises.
4. Ask, seek, and knock.
Turn your season of waiting into a season of intense and purposeful prayers. Pray for wisdom and discernment.
5. Be disciplined.
6. Wait in silence.
"For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him." Psalm 62:5.
6. Be willing to Learn.
The waiting season is an opportunity to learn! We learn obedience. We learn patience.
7. Listen.
Listen for His voice or the voice of others He sends. Listening takes concentration. Wait in expectation that He wants to speak to you. Withdraw for a season, get alone with God and listen to what God has to say.
8. Do your duty each day.
While waiting you should not spend your time doing nothing; rather, continue to do the work He has given you.
9. Don’t look for shortcuts, keep your eyes on Jesus. Have an increasing faith.
10. Wait patiently.
"Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!" Psalm 27:14.
Beloved, are you stuck in Troas today, not knowing what to do or where to go? Is your life right now in the shadows? Do you feel you're gifted, anointed and 'spiritually loaded', yet you're hidden? Hold on! Stand firm! Don't rush it. Wait for God's time to launch you from obscurity to limelight! Wait for God to strengthens you. Wait for divine direction! God knows what you're waiting for; wait for Him. The answers will surely come. Patiently wait upon God and take note of your 'Macedonian call.' Be confident. You have not been forgotten. God can’t forget you! You have not been abandoned by God. The waiting place is a place of healing, deliverance and restoration. Those who wait will be strengthened! Don't give up! Don't stop believing! Be expectant! God's working behind the scenes. However if you have received your 'call to Macedonia' and still procrastinating, arise today! Time is going! Fulfill your ministry. There's a reward.
"And it will be said in that day:
“Behold, this is our God;
We have waited for Him, and He will save us.
This is the Lord;
We have waited for Him;
We will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.” Isaiah 25:9.
Are you preparing for eternity? Is your name in the Book of Life? Examine your life today! If you are not so sure then you need to make a decision today. Why not pray this prayer: LORD Jesus, I come to You right now. I know I am a sinner, please forgive me. With my mouth, I declare that Jesus, from today, I accept You as the LORD of my life. Change my heart from a disobedient heart to a heart that will obey You. With my new heart, I believe that it is because of me that You came into this world; You died for my sins, take away my problems, fill me with Your Holy Spirit, write my name in the Book of Life, and make me brand new in Jesus name. Stand firm. Don't compromise. Read the Word. Guide your salvation jealously. The night will soon be over.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. O Lord, give me the discernment to know when an opportunity is of Your making, in Jesus name.
2. Father, teach me to do Your will, in Jesus name.
3. O Lord, help me to wait well and to cling to You as I wait, in Jesus name.
4. Father, let Your peace rule in my heart. Help me to live by Your grace each day, in Jesus name.
5. O Lord, I thank you for always working in my life, even when I can’t see it. Thank You for the plan and purpose You have for me. Help me to trust in You and Your timing, in Jesus name
6. Father, give me patience as we wait on You. Teach us to rest in You always, in Jesus name.
7. O Lord, I need Your peace today. I ask You to flood my heart and mind with Your peace, in Jesus name.
8. Father, I feel weary in my waiting. Help me to have more faith in You, in Jesus name.
9. Lord, guide my footsteps each day, so I will not stray from Your direction, in Jesus name.
10. Father, give me wisdom and discernment so that I may know Your will, in Jesus name.
11. Thank God for answering your prayers.
