THEOSISGregory the Great
Verse 12. Which traverse all things in bonds, where the intention of the Sovereign guides them Job 37:12. For devoted ministers often feel called to reach certain individuals, yet find themselves unable to do so. Conversely, they may seek to refrain from addressing certain people, but are compelled by an inner drive to urge them. Let us observe the Lord’s clouds as they are directed by His guiding hand, encountering destinations they may not seek, and being held back from their own desires by the will of Him who governs their paths. When Paul was anxious and wished to depart from the Corinthians, he received the word, Fear not, but speak, and do not hold your peace: for I am with you, and no one will harm you; for I have many in this city Acts 18:9-10.
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On another occasion, when he yearned to visit the Thessalonians, he returned and said, I wanted to come to you, I Paul, time and again, but Satan hindered me 1 Thessalonians 2:18. Indeed, while it may seem that Satan could obstruct the progress of such a powerful Apostle, in his ignorance, he inadvertently facilitated a divine plan to prevent Paul from visiting certain places, potentially enabling him to provide greater benefit elsewhere. Thus, the clouds of God circumvent all things in their chains, as they enlighten the ends of the earth through the preaching of the Gospel. Yet, being subject to the Divine will, they cannot pursue their own ambitions, moving only when led by the will of the Sovereign. Hence, it follows with great effort to everything He commands upon the surface of the earth Job 37:12.
Often, when they are steered by their Sovereign’s will, they aim for one objective, only to be redirected by Him towards another. They may wish to speak gently to correct some of their listeners, yet their words may emerge as stark. Alternatively, they might aim to be stern with others, only to find their fervor tempered by a spirit of gentleness. Thus, just as they cannot embark on the journeys they choose, they are similarly unable to act solely according to their desires. For as the inner Judge governs them when He sends them forth, so too does He alter their intentions when they arrive, leading them to think one thing yet have an entirely different outcome in the will; at times they commence in a particular manner and conclude in another. And as they serve in accordance with the commands given to them, it must be affirmed, Where the will of the Sovereign guides them, to everything He commands upon the earth. In their ministry, they are led not by their own desires, but by the will of their Lord. Hence, it is further emphasized: