VOICE OF HOPE
29 August 2022
“As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, (D)“Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work (E)to which I have called them.” Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away. So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to (Cyprus.” Acts 13: 2-4
This morning, as I was studying God’s Word, my eyes fell upon these verses. Immediately, God gave me this word. I’m going to break it down as I heard it.
“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.”
You see, this was the Christian church in the great city of Antioch. The Christians there were many. This church we could describe as on fire. They sought the Lord with all their hearts. They were filled with the Holy Ghost, and through His work, this city had many believers. So many that they could not all meet in one place. What a testimony to the move of the Holy Spirit.
Please understand an important point. This chapter immediately tells us the reason for the powerful move of the Holy Spirit. “As they ministered to the Lord and fasted.” They were busy doing the things of God for the kingdom of God, and in addition, they were fasting. This was their secret weapon to the spreading of the faith. They were seeking God by fasting as they were working. Catch this. Seeking, fasting, and doing.
Now the Holy Spirits speaks to them clearly and precisely. God speaks when we are busy doing His will, not ours. When we are in communion with Him, and while we are fasting. Don’t miss this powerful combination. “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” It was God that called them, and the entire church knew it.
The church in Antioch was a powerful church because of their devotion to God. Therefore, it produced great ministers, teachers, and prophets. This church was led by the Holy Spirit, meaning, they completely moved by only the leading of the Holy Spirit. Due to this, the church was increasing in that city. Now it was about to spread outside their city. God was commissioning them and now sending them. The church, after prayer and fasting, laid their hands on them and sent them.
“So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to (Cyprus.” This is one of the most powerful verses, regarding the call of God. Read it again with me, please, “So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit.” The reason for the revival in their days and ours. They were chosen, picked, and led only by the Holy Spirit. They were filled with His power to preach, heal the sick, restore them, convict them of their sins, and perform all sorts of miracles, ultimately showcasing Jesus Christ and winning souls to be heaven bound.
Please listen, it doesn’t matter if you have the entire Bible memorized. It doesn’t matter if you're the greatest teacher on planet earth. It’s meaningless if you have been given the gift of prophecy. It’s of no value if you're an eloquent speaker. Forget about your charismatic personality, you can only talk and engage, that’s all it means. All these things above are important, wonderful, and necessary. But, are you called by the Holy Spirit? Is the Holy Spirit sending you? This makes all the difference. ARE YOU CALLED?
Rev. Dr. Teresa Allissa Citro
Founder & President
Thread of Hope Inc.