Acts 13:2-3
“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.”
If you are anything like me, you have probably read passages like this and thought something like, “I don’t know how God could use me like He did Barnabas and Saul.” Barnabas was a man full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a key member of the early church. And Saul (Paul) once converted, wrote most of the New Testament and gave his life to spread the Gospel.
God created each one of us for a purpose. If you feel like you aren’t doing the work God has called you to do, look again at verse 2. What were the apostles doing before the Holy Spirit showed up? They were worshiping the Lord and fasting. They were spending time in the presence of the Lord and waiting for instruction. They were present when the Holy Spirit spoke. With all the busyness in our lives, it’s easy to miss the Holy Spirit when He speaks to us. Take a few minutes each day to spend some quiet, uninterrupted time with the Lord, seeking his call for your life. It might not happen the first time, but rest in the promise that He rewards those who seek Him.
Whether it’s telling a co-worker about Jesus, or traveling across the world to a remote village to share the Gospel with strangers, we all have a job to do.
While using the HEAR method (see below) consider the following questions:
- How do you prepare to hear from the Spirit?
Highlight – what words or phrases jump out at you?
Explain – what does the passage mean?
Apply – how does the passage intersect with your life today?
Respond – how is God leading you to respond?
A big thanks to Brice Alumbaugh, on mission this week in Solola, Guatemala, for his devotional thought!
