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「聖靈……禁止他們在亞西亞講道。」（聖經使徒行傳十六章 6 節）
在聖經中研究聖靈怎樣引導以前的十字架先鋒，是很有趣味的一回事。祂的引導大半是禁止，因為他們很容易走錯誤的路。 這次保羅和西拉想向左，到亞西亞一行，聖靈禁止他們。他們想向右，到庇推尼去，聖靈又禁止他們。再過一時，保羅將在那裡興起他生平最大的工作；可是目前聖靈在那裡還未替他開傳道之門，在那裡攻破撒旦城堡的時機尚未成熟，亞波羅必須在那裡先起開墾的工作。況且當時別的地方更需要他們去工作；他們也必須受更深的造就，然後才能到亞西亞和庇推尼一帶去建立神的教會。
親愛的，在你沒有清楚聖靈的指引之先，應當繼續站在你原來的路上。守在你原有的呼召中，除非你得了新的清楚的呼召。
哦，旅客哪！耶穌的靈今日等著要啟示你，好似祂當日啟示保羅一樣。在你這方面，只須小心順服，連一個最小的禁止也須順服；信心的禱告之後，如果聖靈沒有攔阻，你只管放膽前進。可是也不要希奇，聖靈的答應也可以是禁止。若是左右的路是關閉的，前面的路是開啟的，那條路很清楚是通到特羅亞去的。在那裡有路加等著，在那裡有異象指引我們當走的路，在那裡有「敞開的門」和機會，在那裡也有忠心的朋友們等著。 ── 梅爾（F. B. Meyer）
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“They were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia.” (Acts 16:6.)
It is interesting to study the methods of His guidance as it was extended towards these early heralds of the Cross. It consisted largely in prohibitions, when they attempted to take another course than the right. When they would turn to the left, to Asia, He stayed them. When they sought to turn to the right, to Bithynia, again He stayed them. In after years Paul would do some of the greatest work of his life in that very region; but just now the door was closed against him by the Holy Spirit. The time was not yet ripe for the attack on these apparently impregnable bastions of the kingdom of Satan. Apollos must come there for pioneer work. Paul and Barnabas are needed yet more urgently else where, and must receive further training before undertaking this responsible task.
Beloved, whenever you are doubtful as to your course, submit your judgment absolutely to the Spirit of God, and ask Him to shut against you every door but the right one. Say, “Blessed Spirit, I cast on Thee the entire responsibility of closing against my steps any and every course which is not of God. Let me hear Thy voice behind me whenever I turn to the right hand or the left.”
In the meanwhile, continue along the path which you have been already treading. Abide in the calling in which you are called, unless you are clearly told to do something else. The Spirit of Jesus waits to be to you, O pilgrim, what He was to Paul. Only be careful to obey His least prohibition; and where, after believing prayer, there are no apparent hindrances, go forward with enlarged heart. Do not be surprised if the answer comes in closed doors. But when doors are shut right and left, an open road is sure to lead to Troas. There Luke awaits, and visions will point the way, where vast opportunities stand open, and faithful friends are waiting. --- Paul, by Meyer.
Is there some problem in your life to solve, Some passage seeming full of mystery? God knows, who brings the hidden things to light. He keeps the key.
Is there some door closed by the Father’s hand Which widely opened you had hoped to see? Trust God and wait-for when He shuts the door He keeps the key.
Is there some earnest prayer unanswered yet, Or answered NOT as you had thought ‘twould be? God will make clear His purpose by-and-by. He keeps the key.
Have patience with your God, your patient God, All wise, all knowing, no long tarrier He, And of the door of all thy future life He keeps the key.
Unfailing comfort, sweet and blessed rest, To know of EVERY door He keeps the key. That He at last when just HE sees ‘tis best, Will give it THEE.
--- Anonumous.
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