When Barnabas and Saul had finished their mission, they returned from Jerusalem, taking with them John, also called Mark.
Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. 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.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

–Parallel verses:
‭‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭27‬-‭28‬
[Jesus speaking]
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.

As I lay on my bed preparing my mind for writing a devotional yesterday, I realized I was very needy. I have seen some challenges this past year, and dealt with some hardship and persecution (some have had much tougher than I do). But as I realized the needs I have, during my prayer time with God, I opened my arms and lay back facing heaven. And I sat there, I listened and sought to receive whatever God had for me. And as I was quiet before him, I could feel his Spirit healing my spirit and the areas that were tender from challenge, hardship, or pain.

Looking back, I realize that there were likely so many other times I have pushed through my time with God and not listened to receive the good gifts he desired to give me.

The church in Antioch was obedient to the call of God to listen to him. They worshiped him and fasted to hear his heart. Then he spoke to them and called them to send out two of their four church leaders (prophets and teachers) as missionaries. So they fasted and prayed again and then sent them out.

Listening to God in prayer is critical to building a relationship with him. We must condition (discipline) our hearts and minds to quiet down, clear out the noise of this world, and just peacefully listen to God our Father.

Here is one of my favorite passages in the Bible. Paul (formerly known as Saul) writes: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬-‭7‬)

My friends, I believe this is likely what the church in Antioch did. They were joyful, though they were hurting from the persecution of their brothers and sisters. They worshiped God in faith and in joy. They had a gentle Spirit because their worries were small compared to the BIG GOD that was walking with them. They laid their anxieties on him, and were thankful in all things. And they prayed and listened and petitioned. And God spoke. And they had peace, though the call was not easy for either Paul and Barnabas or the Antioch church.

Lord, come and humble me and condition my heart to rest before you in prayer, and to worship you and rejoice. To acknowledge your power and authority. And to seek you first before I give any time to the worries and cares of this world. Help me to listen to you first! Each day, I will cast out the noise and challenge of this world from my mind for a time, and I will be intent on hearing your heart. Speak to me, my Father!