Missions work involves the preaching of the Gospel to the lost so as to lead them to Christ. This work is not limited to churches or missionaries. It is for every believer, young and old. It does not need to be cross-border work. It can also take place locally, within the believer’s environment.

In Acts 16:6-10, at the start of his second missionary journey, the Apostle Paul had intended to go into Asia (i.e. to travel east) to preach God’s Word. However, the Holy Spirit re-directed him to another place. There are three things we can learn from this account as to how the Holy Spirit leads in missions work:

1.  Leads by forbidding (Acts 16:6-8)

The Holy Spirit may stop us from doing certain work, not because it is wrong to do it, but because it may not be God’s will or timing to do it. In Acts 16:6, Paul was “forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia.” He responded by submitting to the will of God, and obeyed without question. Even though it was not according to his plan, he did not respond with anger or disappointment. He obeyed the Holy Spirit’s direction, and did accordingly. We, too, need to submit to God’s will in obedience, and not be discouraged when we are not able to do what we have planned to do.

Another possible reason as to why the Holy Spirit may forbid is that we are not ready to do God’s work at that point in time. Thus, we are to submit and wait for God’s timing. We must not disobey God, and rush into the work.

2.  Leads by revealing (Acts 16:9)

The Holy Spirit revealed His will to Paul through a vision. Today, the Holy Spirit reveals His will to us through God’s Word. God’s will is always for us to preach the Gospel. The world needs the Gospel more than anything else as it is the only thing that saves sinners from sin and condemnation. Hence, the Holy Spirit will reveal to us where He wants us to go, and will lead us to preach the Gospel to the sinners there.

3.  Leads by providing (Acts 16:10)

Our focus must always be on the preaching of the Gospel, and not let other concerns (eg: logistics, planning, social needs, etc) hinder or stop us from doing what the Holy Spirit has revealed to us. He who calls will also be faithful to provide. Paul “immediately…endeavoured to go” (Acts 16:10). We too must always be ready to avail our lives to go wherever the Holy Spirit leads us.