Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 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.” 3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. - Acts 13:1-3

"While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy spirit said……"

The Holy Spirit spoke to this group while worshipping and fasting, while saying to their physical hunger, “No, you will not be my ultimate authority," and instead saying to God, “You are our God. We live for your glory and your kingdom.” 

Fasting opens us up to hear from God - at least when we are channelling our hunger toward delighting in God. 

And what did the Holy Spirit say to this group on this occasion? “Set apart for me Barnabus and Saul…..” 

Barnabus and Saul would go on their first missionary journey around the Roman Empire and this would be the beginning of the world being flipped upside down by the gospel. 

We tend to celebrate Saul and Barnabus who made themselves available to God, but we should also be thankful for the group who felt led to send Saul & Barnabus off -- all because they were setting aside food in order to hear from God. 

What might God want to say to you while you are fasting? 

What might God want to say to US as a group while fasting? 

And how might that word from heaven have a long-term & eternal impact on the world?