Thursday, October 13 – Acts 13:1-3

Now there were prophets and teachers at Antioch, in the church that was there: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. While they were serving the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set Barnabas and Saul apart for Me for the work to which I have called them.” Then, when they had fasted, prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

 

Not many people love major life changes. Moving, changing jobs, or even changing a routine can be overwhelming and affect us on a deep level. Many times, when we ask God how He wants to work in our lives, we are afraid of the change He may ask of us. We are afraid of what going deeper into our faith or serving the Lord with our whole lives will cost us. Saul and Barnabas stepped away from a fruitful season of ministry into the unknown. But one thing they did know for sure, the Holy Spirit had set them apart for the mission they were going to embark on.

 

Asking God “Where do you want me to go?” or “How do you want me to serve?” can be scary and humbling. God gave the disciples direction while they were focused on Him. We should give that same time and devotion, eager to serve Him and learn about where He is leading us. The eternal investment we make will always be worth it in the end. As Jim Elliott, a martyr for the Christian faith once said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.”[1] Step deeper into your faith today, asking God the hard questions, ready for His answer and direction wherever He leads. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

 

• When was a time you felt God’s presence through a major life change? What was that like?
• What are some things that scare you when you think about asking God to direct your life completely?
• Pray and lay down your fears before God. Ask Him how He wants to use you today.

[1] Justin Taylor, “He Was No Fool,” The Gospel Coalition, January 9, 2010, https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justin-taylor/he-ws-no-fool/.