SEEKING DIRECTION
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.”
Acts 13:2 (NIV)
While many people try to make life work on their own, there are many others who look to God for direction and purpose. What do you want me to do? What decision should I make in this or that situation? Those sorts of questions, when directed toward God, are really good. Who else knows what’s ahead or which way is best? But many of us, if we’re honest, have asked God questions like this and felt like our prayers have gone no further than the ceiling. God, are You out there? Do You care? I’m trying to follow You, but I’m not getting any answers!
Today’s Scripture offers us a picture of what it looks like to walk patiently with God. Rather than grasping or demanding a particular response from God, the people of the newly formed church in Antioch simply built into their lives the regular practices of worship and fasting. In fact, if you read the entire passage, it’s as if they trusted that God would lead them. In His way. According to His timing.
Worship and fasting have been central to the life of God’s people for thousands of years. These were part of the rhythms of life for the Israelites, and are meant to be normal practices for followers of Christ. What I appreciate about today’s Scripture is that while the people were going about their regular daily/weekly spiritual practices, they received direction from God. Worship and fasting are ways to align ourselves with the heart and mind of God. By moving out of our normal, daily routines, these practices, as awkward and unnatural as they may seem, open our hearts to God in a unique way.
Application: As you make yourself available to God today, may you hear the voice of the Holy Spirit in ways you may not know you even need. He may surprise you as you turn your eyes toward Him and allow Him space to speak.
Prayer: God, I pause and surrender my life to You. I say yes to all You have for me and give You room to speak. Sit for a few minutes to quiet your heart and mind. I am here to receive so that I might experience You breaking through the noise and responsibilities of life. Show me things I’ve not yet seen. Take me to places I can only go if You go there with me. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?