Through Worship, We Hear
“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
We all want to hear from God. At least, many of us do. We want that special revelation, to receive that call, or perhaps that answer to that problem or decision we’ve been wrestling over. I’ve been in that place so many times, and I’m certain I’ll land there again. But while God indeed wants us to continually seek, and most importantly, heed, His guidance, His desires for us go so much deeper.
He wants our hearts. Us. All of us. And He wants us to want Him—more than His answer or solutions. He draws us to Himself, invites us to worship, and then, in this context of love—love from Him to us and us to Him—He speaks. As we worship Him, His Spirit gains strength within us, inspiring and empowering us for all that’s ahead.
The apostle Paul, perhaps the most effective and empowered missionary of all time, is a great example of this. You can read about his history and journeys in Acts, but to paraphrase, while he was vehemently seeking to persecute God’s children, Christ intervened, transformed him, and ignited within him a new, life-giving passion to share the gospel. Even more than that, however, God sparked within him an insatiable desire for Christ Himself—to know Him deeply and intimately.
That’s God’s call for all of us, but like Paul, we each have a unique role as well, perhaps to teach Sunday school or write encouraging letters to shut-ins. Our clarity often comes during a time of heart-felt worship. Today’s verse suggests this was true for Paul. While he and the prophets and teachers in Antioch “were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them” (NLT).
In the middle of worship, God spoke.
That’s often how He interacts with us as well, because while, yes, He longs to guide us, He longs for us more.
Jennifer Slattery is a writer, editor, speaker, and the founder of Wholly Loved Ministries. She writes for Crosswalk, iBelieve is a multi-published author of Hometown Healing among other titles who also writes articles, Bible studies, and devotions. When not writing, reading, or editing, Jennifer loves going on mall outings with her adult daughter and coffee dates with her hilariously fun husband. Visit her online at jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com or book her for your next women’s event.
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Originally published Monday, 12 August 2024.
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