These are interesting passages:
Acts 20:22 Paul was compelled by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, “not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me.”
Acts 21:4 “Through the Spirit [the disiciples] urged Paul not to go to Jerusalem.”
Acts 21:11-14 The Holy Spirit told prophet Agabus that Paul will be arrested in Jerusalem. When the disciples heard this, they pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. “When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”
Let’s say you believe God wants you to do something in ministry. You tell some of your good Christian friends your plans. Instead of affirming God’s will, they tell you it’s not a good idea. Things are going to turn out bad if you do it. They analyze the situation, give you the pros and cons, and advise you, in fact plead with you not to do it.
Do I take the sensible advice of godly Christians, or do I go with the subjective inner voice of what I believe to the be voice of God? As Christians we are often told that in making decisions, we should study the Word of God, seek godly advice, and look for open doors. If, as in the case of Paul, no one confirms that inner voice, and circumstances are not favorable, but it does not conflict with God’s Word, can you trust your inner voice? I don’t know that I would, not out of intentional disobedience, but I would begin to doubt whether that voice was from God or from myself.
In the case of Paul, he went against what everyone said. I wonder how the Spirit “compelled” him? The Bible does not say he had a vision, but it must have been more than a feeling such that Paul was very certain God wanted him to go.
“I know that Paul’s situation doesn’t give us an answer [about making a decision] but it certainly indicates that sometimes our good friends (apparently even Luke) try to dissuade us when the Holy Spirit has given us clear direction. Such seems to be the case with Paul. ” – Dottie
Lessons learned from this: 1) I have to weigh carefully people’s advice, even godly people, against what I believe is God’s calling. However, if I go against what people advise, I better have good reason. 2) Impending hardship does not mean it is not God’s will. The easy route is not an indication of God’s will.