Acts 16:1-10 / John 15:18-21
Whether it is in the secular or spiritual realm, having to make a decision is not a simple matter.
Of course we can gather all the facts and make a logical assessment of the data we have gathered and then come to a decision.
Yet, that does not necessarily mean that the process in coming to a decision would have covered all angles.
There is also such a thing called " putting the ear to the ground" and that would mean having to listen to the opinions of the people involved and how they feel about the matter.
As they went on with their way, the early missionaries like Paul and Barnabas had to put their ears to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and rely on His guidance.
Of course prayer and the Word of God were fundamental guideposts. Yet, they also had to be open to the other ways of the Spirit like casting lots and visions and dreams.
In the 1st reading we heard how at first they were "told" by the Holy Spirit not to preach the Word in Asia, and the Holy Spirit even "stopped" them from going further.
Yet, almost immediately, after a dream, they proceeded ahead, convinced that God had called them to go further.
Well, God's plans are always dynamic and changing and also things are done in His time.
Let us not get too flustered when God changes His plans and His timing. As His beloved children, we must believe that God's ways are better than our ways, His plans are better than our plans and His time is always the best time.