When the Spirit Leads

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.”

Then after fasting and praying they laid their

hands on them and sent them off.

(Acts 13:2-4 ESV)

The church in Antioch boldly launched the first missional journey, at the direction of the Holy Spirit. Thankfully, they tuned their ears through communal worship, fasting, and prayer.

A precedent was set.

Paul, an apostle of the Lord to the Gentiles, traveled a total of 14 years on mission. This monumental feat was possible only by the Holy Spirit. Time and again the Spirit provided critical guidance in traversing over 10,000 miles. He navigated their way to faraway places, where hearts were prepared to receive the gospel. He directed them where to go . . . and where not to go. In those times when Paul’s plans did not align with the Lord’s, the Spirit kept them from going to certain provinces (Acts 16:6-7). In those moments, a laying down of one’s own will, a heeding to the Spirit, was required.

Confronted by a variety of difficulties and persecutions, Paul endured by the strength, comfort, and encouragement of the Spirit. Mercifully, the Spirit warned him “that prison and hardship” awaited him in Jerusalem (Acts 20:23). Nevertheless, he declared, “I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24).

Peril lurked at every turn, but Paul—ever convicted and compelled by the Spirit—journeyed on (Acts 21:4). May we be so dedicated to Him.

The Holy Spirit even communicated additional warnings to other people of what Paul would face in Jerusalem (Acts 21:4; 10-11). So then, how important is it for us to listen to the godly counsel of others who may well be relaying a Spirit guided message?

The mission of the Lord is rightly done by the power of the Spirit. We are co-missional with Him. He does the equipping. And He directs.

Let’s let Him lead the way.