Stuck In A Place Called Troas

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.