Acts 13

Barnabas and Saul Are Commissioned

 ¹ Among the prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch of Syria were Barnabas, Simeon (called “the black man”^[a]), Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen (the childhood companion of King Herod Antipas^[b]), and Saul. ² One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.” ³So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.

Paul’s First Missionary Journey

 ⁴ So Barnabas and Saul were sent out by the Holy Spirit. They went down to the seaport of Seleucia and then sailed for the island of Cyprus.

These verses address the actual launch point for taking the Gospel of Christ to the world.  In these verses, you find the men fasting and praying.  To fast is to literally deny yourself.  During our 21 day fast at Courageous, we are all choosing to deny something, something that we will definitely miss.

When we fast and deny ourselves something, we are introducing reminders to ourselves regarding the purpose of our fast.  When we feel the loss of the thing we are denying ourselves from, we take that moment and focus on our purpose, we open ourselves to God and to hear His whispers through the Holy Spirit.

As our church “reboots”, take the time during your fast to seek guidance regarding your role not just in our church but in the greater church body.  God has a plan for each and every one of us.  Pray often.  Take time to just sit and listen….we don’t have to always engage in prayerful dialog or even ask for specific things; just pray for wisdom and it will be granted.  Don’t anticipate what God’s answer will be, let it be revealed to you….let loose, don’t try…open your heart and mind to Him.

Blessings,

ATLSTV