Summertime StoriesSample

Acts 13:2-3 

2 One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.”

 3 So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.

Have you ever planned a vacation? There is so much excitement as you prepare to go. If you're like me, you create high and unrealistic expectations for the trip. You imagine all the fun and relaxation you are going to have. You finally set out, and then you realize it may be slightly different than you had imagined. You get a flat tire, your flight is delayed, you lose your luggage, or you remember that you've left something you need at home. Reality sets in, and you realize you just gotta go with the flow and make the best of the hand you're dealt. 

At the beginning of today's chapter, we see the Holy Spirit calling and commissioning Paul and Barnabas to embark on the first significant evangelistic journey of the Christian Church. A group of Christians is in a prayer meeting, seeking God, and it becomes clear to them that God is speaking. The Holy Spirit reveals to them collectively that Paul (or Saul) and Barnabas have a unique assignment - to travel and preach. What I love about this text is that AFTER they heard God speak, they don't immediately leave. They actually pray and fast more. Why would they do this? Why not just pray as you go? 

I believe they were getting their hearts prepared for the journey. They weren't naive to the fact that God was calling them to hostile waters. Spreading the Gospel to a lost and hurting world is no easy business. They knew they needed to be emotionally, mentally, and spiritually ready for the journey ahead. What if we woke up every morning with this same approach? What would our day look like if before we left our house, we took the time to get ourselves ready in God's presence? As you go to the assignment that God has given you today, make time to prepare yourself for the journey!