Sensitive to the Spirit

Act 16:6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,
Act 16:7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.

Paul was sensitive to the Holy Spirit. How did he know it was the Holy Spirit and not the devil speaking to him? I know at times a bad spirit will try to discourage or hinder me. Usually, I get through this by speak the word "JESUS". We can know the Spirit's guidance. We may have something to do and there is an unrest, go deeper in prayer and seek his will. If you are making a decision and there is no peace, then wait. Paul knew the time was not right to go to Asia, the Spirit forbid him to go at this time. Do not go against the Spirit. I believe one of Paul's first lessons was on the road to Damascus. He was compelled to round up Christians and to bring them bound to Jerusalem, he was a zealous Pharisee then called Saul, but Jesus stopped him in his journey.

Act 9:3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
Act 9:4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
Act 9:5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
Act 9:6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

Why are you going against the pricks, the goads, the sharp sticks used to control the movement and direction of cattle? He was doing what he thought was right in serving God, but it was hindering the will of God. We must ask ourselves, "am I doing the will of God, or my own will." Am I led by the Holy Spirit, or driven by lusts and desires, power or pride? If hindered in one way, seek an open door. Keep going, obeying the known will of God and he will direct you. Paul did receive a new direction in a dream or a vision.

Act 16:9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.
Act 16:10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

If you are serving God with all your heart, he will direct your paths.