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⁶ Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. ⁷ When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. ⁸ So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. ⁹ During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” ¹⁰ After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. Acts 16:6-10 (NIV)

During the current global pandemic, some doors have been kept open. Some have unexpectedly shut.

Yesterday, one of our youngest missionaries made it back into the country where he is serving a few hours before the border closed, keeping the door open for ministry there.  Another field partner, *Hámark, has faithfully planned for and raised the money to move his family to Malaysia. Right before his departure, he experienced a minor health crisis and needed surgery. While scheduling the surgery, the border closed.

The Apostle Paul faced similar frustrations. His well thought out plan would take him from Phrygia and Galatia to the province of Asia. We don’t know exactly what the Holy Spirit said to Paul and his companions; we just know that God redirected them to some people in Macedonia that needed to hear Paul’s message.

The door for Hámark may open in a few weeks. Right now, many of us are facing uncertainty. Let’s keep watching for the new unexpected doors that God may be opening.

What doors have unexpectedly closed for you recently? What doors have opened?

*Name has been changed for security reasons.

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