“1. Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. 4. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.”
In this context of scripture we see the name of Saul, this is actually the great Apostle Paul. He is at the beginning of his first missionary journey. When we look at Paul’s life anyone would have to say, “what a man of God.” He suffered so much for the cause of Christ and lost souls. Paul finished well, when we fast forward to the end of his life we find him at his end in II Timothy 4:6-7 “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” Paul is one of the greatest missionaries we will ever read about. God used him to give us a lot of the New Testament, and even today, Paul’s life is still being used in the lives of so many. So how did it start? When we look back at the context of our devotion today, we see a great power that is much overlooked in the life of many believers. What are you struggling with today? Are you looking for God’s direction in your life? Are you asking Him to save a family member, or even heal someone that is sick? Have you ever tried to fast? Fasting is so powerful! The Word of Life Encyclopedia by David Cloud says that biblical fasting is the freewill practice of abstaining from food and/or pleasantries of life for the purpose of devoting oneself to God and concentrating on spiritual goals, particularly the goal of defeating spiritual enemies and overcoming the lusts of the flesh. Look at vs 2 again, “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said…” When you begin to afflict your soul for God’s moving, you may see God answer your prayers a lot sooner than later. Through this fast with Saul and Barnabas God gave them direction to start their missionary journey! What are you prating for today? Have you considered doing a fast? Maybe God has called you to ministry, but you’re not sure yet what to do; have you tried fasting? Maybe your in need of a job, or someone close to you is headed for hell; has fasting even crossed your mind? God is faithful, and God will answer you according to His will! Don’t overlook this powerful tool in prayer! What are some ways to fast? A total food fast is a good way to start, maybe just for one meal, or maybe even a day. Let God lead you in your fast. Have you ever considered giving up the first day of your hunting season to be a better soul winner or to even just spend more time in prayer and Bible study. Maybe food fasting is a difficult start for you(regardless, it wont be comfortable), but its not that tough to put some pleasure to the side for a bit! Do you want God to direct your life? Do you want His will? Fasting will do things for you that you never thought possible! What is weighing heavy on your mind? Give it a try! How about coffee for three days, or no meat for a week? Maybe your next opportunity to the field you could give to the Lord? Do you really want God to answer these needs on your heart? God is faithful, and fasting is powerful! I Peter 5:6-7 “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”
Memory Verse Week 11/18/19
I Peter 5:6-7
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”
