Fasting in the Bible Day 14: Barnabas and Saul (Paul)

Several prophets and teachers were at the church in Antioch: Barnabas, Simeon Niger, Lucius from Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with King Herod) and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.” And after more fasting and prayer, the other men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.

So, having been sent by the Holy Spirit, they went to Seleucia and sailed to Cyprus. In Salamis, they preached the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. John Mark went as their assistant. They preached from town to town across the whole island. In Paphos they also confronted a sorcerer named Elymas who was trying to keep the governor from believing. And Saul, who was also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to his face, “You are full of deceit! Stop perverting the truth of the Lord or He will blind you.” When God did just that, the governor was amazed and he believed.

Paul and his companions went to Perga by sea, but John Mark returned to Jerusalem. Then they traveled overland to Pisidian Antioch. On the Sabbath they went to the synagogue there. After the usual readings, they asked for a word of encouragement from Paul, who preached the gospel to them. From Acts 13: 1 – 15

After backtracking and encouraging the disciples in each city where they had preached the gospel, they commissioned elders for each church with prayer and fasting. They then returned to Antioch, where they had started their journey, and reported all the things that God had done to reach the Gentiles for Christ. They spent a long time in Antioch with that church. From Acts 14 : 21 – 28

In the New Testament the disciples continued the tradition of fasting and prayer. In the Antioch church, they were worshipping and fasting as a community and the Holy Spirit spoke to them. He encouraged them to send Barnabas and Saul to the Gentiles to preach the gospel. After more fasting and prayer, they decided to send them! When they backtracked through all the towns they had preached the gospel in, they prayed and fasted and appointed elders to be sent to their towns to continue preaching to the Gentiles.

Churches today don’t generally fast as a habit, but some churches may ask for the leaders and the congregation to fast and pray if a big decision is upcoming. If your church is in a crisis or needs to make a decision, it is okay for you to encourage your leaders to fast and pray. Or, to encourage small groups or your own small group to do that.

In your life, like in Paul’s, worshiping, fasting and praying as a habit keeps you in touch with God so that you will hear Him speak to you about something specific, about His dreams for your future, how to move forward with His wisdom, how to make a big decision and impact your life, or as a support for your daily life with Him. This kind of time set aside regularly might keep some things from looming up unexpectedly!

When could a regular time to fast and pray fit into your schedule?

What decisions or new pathways might be coming up in your future?

Choose a time to fast and pray for a specific decision.

Put that time in your calendar and schedule the rest of your life around it.

Prepare your heart to be humble, quiet, and listen to Him.

Holy Spirit, as I fast and pray, speak to me about my present. Meet with me to dream about my future. Open my heart to hear, be humble and surrender to Your best. Amen.