Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.

There’s something comforting about seeing the early church wrestle with decisions, disagreements, and change. Acts 15-16 shows us a very real, very human moment in the life of believers—full of heart, humility, and the Holy Spirit’s quiet leading.

The early church was facing a major question: What do we expect of new believers? Should they follow the old laws and customs too?

Even the apostles didn’t have a quick answer. So they gathered, prayed, listened, and talked it through. It wasn’t neat or instant, but it was full of grace and truth. Peter says it simply: “We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.” (Acts 15:11)

It reminds us that following Jesus doesn’t always mean having it all figured out. Sometimes we need time, conversation, and community to help us discern the way forward. God is patient with the process, and we can be, too, as hard as it is. So often, the need to be in control of our lives begins to trump what God has planned for us, and it’s in those moments that we have to step back and let go. God loves and cares for us so immensely that He guides us and leads us is always with His hand in ours.

In Acts 16, Paul and his companions try to head one way, then another, but doors keep closing. Asia? No. Bithynia? Not yet.

Then, Paul has a vision: a man from Macedonia asking for help. That’s when they realize God had a different direction all along. Ever been there? Plans shift, doors shut, and it feels confusing. Maybe you aren’t getting a clear or concise vision like Paul did, but look for the little ways that God is speaking to you each day. I promise you, He is! God is often gently redirecting, not rejecting. Closed doors don’t mean failure. I think God is sometimes just rerouting us, putting something else in our even greater path.

Are there any “closed doors” in your life right now that could be God’s way of leading you to something new?

Are you open to seeking wisdom with others when the path isn’t clear?

How might God be inviting you to trust Him more deeply today?

Take a few minutes today to read Acts 15:6-11 and Acts 16:6-10 slowly. Where do you see God guiding, even through uncertainty or delay? Write down one situation in your own life where you need to invite God’s guidance and one step of faith you can take in response.

Lord, thank You for being with us in the midst of uncertainty. When the way forward is unclear, help us slow down and listen. Teach us to walk with grace toward one another, just like the early church did. And when doors close, give us the faith to trust that You are still guiding.

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

• Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God’s Word.
• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises? 
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you? 
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.