Acts 13:1-3
Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.
Quickword: Led by the Spirit
Here at the church at Antioch were certain prophets and teachers who had been brought up with Herod the tetrach. Herod the tetrach was a skillful political figure and leader who did great damage unto the Jewish people. Yet under the pressures of Herod, these men continued to do ministry. As they ministered, the Holy Spirit called for Barnabas and Saul to be separated in order to engage in ministry in which they had been called. The leaders fasted and prayed, laid hands on Barnabas and Saul and sent them away.
- Ministry is not for the faint of heart; often times, we must work in uncomfortable spaces.
- Whatever ministry God has called you to carry out, the Holy Spirit will separate you for that work; don’t move until you are led by the Holy Spirit.
- Upon being separated for a specific work, those persons who lead and guide your ministry will pray for you, lay hands on you and ordained you for the work.
Whatever ministry you are called to do, please know that it comes with challenges. I have learned, sometimes the hard way to wait on the direction of the Holy Spirit before you make a move, especially in ministry. If we are patient enough to wait on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we will not move to soon or to late but exactly when we are supposed to move. This applies not only to ministry but every aspect of our lives.
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