Acts 13:1-3 - Among the prophets and
teachers of the church at Antioch were Barnabas and Symeon (also called “The
Black Man”), Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen (the foster-brother of King Herod),
and Paul. One day as these men were worshiping and
fasting the Holy Spirit said, “Dedicate Barnabas and Paul for a special job I
have for them.” So after more fasting and prayer,
the men laid their hands on them—and sent them on their way.
The church grew steadily…adding all who believed
on Christ to their number. They met
often and prayed and fasted …and listened intently for God to tell them what to
do. They were a mixture of cultures and races…all unified by their love of God
and acceptance of the gift of salvation Jesus gave them when they believed on
them. They were focused on leading others to Christ…so when the Holy Spirit
spoke…they listened.
God split this group up…and sent two of
them on their way to wherever the Spirit would tell them. They laid hands on them
and prayed and even fasted to help focus their hearts on God’s purpose and
leave the world’s agenda behind. They
did not know exactly what would happen …how God would use their friends as they
left...they just knew that the Holy Spirit had spoken…and these two men needed
to follow its directions.
I read this passage several times…not
really letting the confirmation sink in. God has separated me for a special
task…and that is why I have packed all my belongings…bought a house 130 miles
away…and will leave the great weekly support of a church I love dearly in one more
day. I know I have listened correctly…for I have an inner peace about the move…even
though glitch after small glitch has tried to plant seeds of doubt. …even
though God hasn’t revealed his purpose in moving me completely yet…or how I am
to supplement my meager retirement income when I get there.
It is the Holy Spirit that gives me the
faith…the courage….and the ability to accept the promise of Jeremiah 29:11. He alone
knows what plans he has to give me hope for my future. He alone knows how he
will turn these bittersweet feelings I have in my heart… of love and pining for
my friends in London KY…into prosperous relationships with family and new
friends in Sevier County TN. God has the plan…I just have to walk in faith….pray
…and perhaps find something to fast to show God I have fully accepted it…no
matter what it is.
Father…thank you for the reminder that you
have a plan for me. Forgive me for the
times that I have doubted that plan…and failed to accept it fully. Help me with the next few days of moving…. goodbyes…
hellos…listening….and walking completely in faith. Thank you for all you have
done to get me to this point in my relationship with you…and thank you in
advance for all the blessings to come as I walk in faith to a new season of
life with you. Amen.
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