In today's message we see Paul was led by the Lord and we see this proof. Paul had made plans to go to Syria and then suddenly the Holy Spirit alerted Paul either directly or through the people about the danger which lay ahead and he immediately changed his plans.
Paul may have had a desire or plans to do something in Syria. We see Paul did not get on his knees and bind the powers that came against him or ask the Lord to cause confusion in the minds of those who conspired to attack him. Nor did he pray for God's judgment on those who planned to harm His anointed one.
Some days back some people approached me to be an important part of a great historic event and for me it was like a dream come through. This one event could change a lot of my ministry in the Lord, but then I waited on the Lord to confirm it. Firstly I was surprised that such a great thing came all of a sudden for the Lord mostly alerted me of big things or changes in my life. It so happened that night when I asked the Lord for His confirmation I was repeated a vision which I had the night before (before the proposal came) and the Lord through the vision alerted about a danger. So I immediately backed out for the event and over the days I can see a confirmation of the danger coming true.
We may say then Paul must have been having a smooth sailing all through his life for the Lord must have alerted him on every issue, but we see that was not the case. Paul did have problems in his life and troubles which caused great hardship for him.
Was it that the Lord had given up on Paul during those moments, No.
We need to understand as the Lord (Holy Spirit) is our Guide, Helper and Comforter; He is also the Potter who moulds us. The potter to bring shape to his creation needs to touch the mould and bring shape, he knows how much pressure and where the pressure needs to be put, even these touches are done with wet hands (water symbolizes mercy). He does not let any harsh touch or anything to break or destroy his creation.
We are the moulds which are in the Hands of the Potter and Jesus by His sacrifice has made this possible. When we are tuned to the turning of the Potter's wheel we will also be tuned to His touches. It is only when we try our own paths that we get into problems that do not benefit us. No doubt later the Lord turns even our wrongs into the right part but then it requires more touches of the Potter's Hand and sometimes drastic changes with instruments.
