While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” (Acts 13:2)
IT MAKES SENSE to ask for help when we need directions. That is how our world works. And it hardly takes any time or effort at all. Are you lost on the road? Ask a person (or your smartphone) which way to go. Going to a store to buy towels? Ask an employee to direct you to the right department. Have a random trivia question? Just Google it, and you will have the answer in four hundred milliseconds.
We would like God to work in the same way. Need direction for your life? Zip up a quick question to God, and expect the answer to come in His next breath.
In Acts 13:2, the Holy Spirit gave direction and guidance for a major life issue: Barnabas and Saul’s first missionary journey. This was no small task, and the direction did not come after a few milliseconds of prayer.
Luke, the author of Acts, does not even use the word prayer to describe the church leaders’ time with God. He says they were worshiping and fasting, both of which involve making Christ the center of attention. Our quick-question prayers do not give us enough time to fully focus on Christ. If you seem stuck and need direction on a major life issue, focus on Christ. Spend time in worship and fasting, and direction will come from the Holy Spirit.
Instead of asking for help today, simply focus on Christ.
Rachel Schmoyer is a mom of four and pastor’s wife who enjoys cooking from scratch with ingredients from a local organic farm.
