Loading... GOD WILL OPEN DOORS - Acts 13:2
Saturday, September 30th, 2006Acts 13:2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
Barnabas, Simeon, Lucius, Manaen and Saul were serving the Lord in Antioch. They were obeying the great commission to go out and preach the gospel. As they were obeying God, God spoke to these five men that HE had a special purpose for Barnabas and Saul. These men were not necessarily looking for direction from God, but specific direction came as they were busy serving God and keeping a right relationship with HIM. Because they were seeking to do God’s will, God’s will was revealed to them.
These men were active in their pursuit of doing the will of God. Not only were these men active in their ministry, they took the time to abstain from eating so that they would be in a better position to hear the voice of God. Because their hearts and minds were in the right place, they were in a position where they were able to hear God’s specific instructions for Barnabas and Saul.
These men were faithful in doing the will of God and because God found them faithful in that which was least, God opened the door for Barnabas and Saul to step out in faith and learn to be faithful in much. Because these men ensured that they were living their lives pleasing to the Lord and looking for opportunities that their thoughts, feelings and actions would be pleasing to God, God opened a new door. God did not just let Barnabas and Saul know what HIS plan was for their life, HE spoke to all five men so that the word of God was established and everyone understood that it was God who was calling.
God has a plan for your life. However, there will be times where you do not have a specific calling about what you should do now. It is during these times that you must look for ways to please the Lord by ministering unto HIM. As you minister, seek to draw closer to the Lord. Take time to pray and fast. As you strive to draw closer to HIM, you will be in a position where you can hear HIS still small voice. As you demonstrate your ability to be faithful in small things, God will be able to open door in your life that you never imagined.
You must make a decision to think upon the things of God. You must decide whether you are going to serve God or whether you are going to serve yourself. You must determine whether your focus is to redeem every second for the cause of Christ. As you add virtue to your life by learning to think and do those things that are pleasing to God, God will be able to direct you more closely to HIS perfect will. The closer you are to God, the easier it will be for you to hear and obey HIM.
These five men heard the voice of God because they were diligent to think and act upon those things that were virtuous. You too need to follow their example by ministering to God and seeking HIS face during times where you do not have clear direction. As you make God a priority, you will be in a position where you can hear God’s perfect plan for your life. Do not allow yourself to become distracted by the things of this world. Instead, dedicate your time to seeking to do God’s will and to hearing HIS voice. Take the time to think upon the things of God so that God’s voice will be sweet to your ears. It is not easy constantly thinking upon the things of God, but God’s grace is sufficient.