We've all heard that sometimes we have to give up the good for the better and the better for the best.  So, how do we know which is which?  Can we always know the difference between the good and the better, and the better and the best?  The short answer is "Yes and no."  No, if we rely on our own strength and wisdom, because sometimes the difference between good and better and better and best is totally beyond our understanding.  Yes, if we give the Holy Spirit full control of our lives.  Look at what happened to the Apostle Paul and Silas:  ⁶Next Paul and Silas traveled through the area of Phrygia and Galatia, because the Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time. 

They had a good idea, maybe even a great idea:  Let's tell the people in Asia about Jesus.  That's at least a good idea.  I'd call it a great idea.  that's what they wanted to do, but THE HOLY SPIRIT PREVENTED THEM from doing it.  Why?  We don't know.  What we do know is Paul and Silas were on their way to good or better, but because they listened to the Holy Spirit God would give them best.  The same is true for us.   The key is to hand over the control of our lives to the Holy Spirit, which is far easier said than done, especially in a culture where so many, even in the church, don't believe the Holy Spirit is still "active."  Sort of strange for me to think about God not being "active," and yet many branches of the Christian family tree have concluded that the Holy Spirit's "active" work concluded at the end of the apostolic age.   The reasoning is since we have the completed Bible, we don't need the active work of the Holy Spirit anymore.  He is just an "advisor," or our conscience.

Thankfully, it doesn't matter what we believe, it matter's what's true.  What's true is the Holy Spirit has never taken a break .  Since He's God, and since the Bible tells us that God never changes, it's safe for us to assume that the Holy Spirit is still leading and guiding believers who let Him.  All that to say, "If we want to do the BEST and not just the good or better--and certainly not the bad, then we need to hand the controls over to the Holy Spirit. 

How will today be different as we call on the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us?  Ask the Apostle Paul and Silas!  It'll mean we probably won't do some things we were going to do, and we may well be led in another direction entirely.  The cool part of that will be that whatever direction He leads us will be the right one!

Let's pray:  Heavenly Father, thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to empower us to do some things and to prevent us from doing others. Fill us with Your Spirit that we may fill our lives with the best instead of the better or good.  This we pray in Jesus' name. Amen.