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Acts 16:1-15
Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. 2 He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium. 3 Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. 4 As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. 5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily.
6 And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. 7 And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. 8 So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
11 So, setting sail from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace, and the following day to Neapolis, 12 and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city some days. 13 And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. 14 One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. 15 And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us.
This is one of my favorite passages of the Bible. It shows how God closes doors in order to redirect his purposes and our life’s path. It shows how the first church on European soil was planted. It shows the first example of a woman being baptized. It shows how hospitality is a privilege. It shows how Paul was obedient and faithful. It has so much to capture my interest and attention.
Let’s start with how God closes doors and opens hearts. When I was in college I had a few conversations about my future vocation with the pastor of the Lutheran Campus Center. I wanted to know how God guides us in life. He shared his story.
While he was in the army he had his heart set on a career that would require significant eye-hand coordination. But while he was in Germany he had a motorcycle accident and lost one eye. He realized then and there that his dream career was no longer possible. A series of new possibilities opened a new career path to him. He became a pastor, and was greatly instrumental in my spiritual development. He helped me get into the seminary, even teaching me rudimentary Greek lessons! God closed one door and opened my heart to his leadership and formation.
This is much like Paul’s desire to go into Southern Asia with the Gospel message. He had in mind going there, but the Holy Spirit prevented him from doing so. Then comes the message of the man from Macedonia, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” Rather than try again to go into Asia, Paul and his entourage got ready and went to Macedonia. They realized that God wanted them to preach the Gospel there. In other words this set back to their plans was not a no to proclaiming the Gospel. It was a call to proclaim the Gospel in Macedonia. The ripples of Paul’s road to Damascus conversion were continuing to play out in his life.
My path was similar. Having nearly flunking out of college and then failing in the real estate business, I took a different path. My seminary career was as positive as my college and real estate careers were negative. I thank God for those closed doors, and new opportunities.
Perhaps you’re facing closed doors in your life. Desires that cannot be fulfilled. Careers that have hit a dead end. Hopes that will not be fulfilled. Take heart! God does have a path forward for you. It may be challenging. It may require a major reset. But God leads us toward a better tomorrow. When we follow the new paths of his choosing we may be confident that he is also preparing open hearts to await us along the way.
PS: Today is March 4th, the only day of the year that is a command to move forward. Kind of like the call to bring the Gospel forward into the world. It’s also the birthday of a dear friend, brother in Christ and retired seminary professor. I doubt that he’ll see this, but nevertheless, Happy Birthday Jeff!
David Bahn - Reflections 
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