“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. After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them.” (Acts 16:6-7)

Have you ever had a door of opportunity blocked? We might apply for a dream job- prepared, interviewed, and even prayed on it but not get hired. We were perfect for the job. It can be frustrating and confusing. Months later when another opportunity arises and we are perfect for it and it has even higher pay, but you still do not get the job. It can become discouraging when we do not get the job and tried our best for interviews.

We must continue to have faith and not give up when we hear a “no” since a “no” can feel completely defeating. A “no” might not be a complete “no” but a wait. Wait on the Lord and he will direct your steps. Sometimes we might be eager to go for something that is not beneficial for us in this case God says “no”. No is not a punishment either that he hates us and does not want us to succeed. For God cares for each one of his children and wants the best for them.

​A “no” can lead to an even greater “yes” an opportunity that he was holding out for us. A blocked opportunity might just be a wait. Wait on God because he has something better for you. Let him guide your steps to where you need to be to glorify him.
 
Heavenly Father, give us ears to listen to your Spirit.
 
Walking with you,        
Stacy Watkins

As they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” (Acts 13:2)
 
The invention of the telephone has come a long way. It no longer needs to be connected to a wall. We can send emails, text messages, and even video messages to people. If you missed a call and get a voicemail some phones will even transcribe the message you can read the message instead of listening to it. Depending on who the caller is we might quickly pick up the phone call or let it go to voicemail.

When we remove distractions, we can focus on the person who is calling. During a fast we might set aside a distraction social media, alcohol, or even sweets to focus our attention on prayer and God. This allows us to open our hearts, minds, and souls to what God is saying and even directing us to do. We must be open and sensitive to hearing God speak into our lives and direct us.

For many we fixate on the message often forgetting about the person who called us. It is who called you that is important. The person has a role in our life our doctors, friends, and family. The most important person who calls us is God. God is calling each one of us. Trying to reach each one of us because He loves us and cares for us. There is nothing he would not do to try and get ahold of us.
 
Heavenly Father, may we be open to hear your voice when you call us.
 
Walking with you,
Stacy Watkins
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