How can we impact the world for God and with the “Truth” (Series) Part – 3

Third in our series on how to turn the world upside down for God
There are so many things we can clean from the disciples and early church. Not only were they busy ministering to the Lord, but we also find that they fasted. They were completely surrendered to the Lord, committed to the cause. They were burdened for others. They had a genuine desire to see God move in their midst and bless their efforts. They spent time fasting before the Lord. The text doesn’t say but fasting typically goes hand in hand with prayer. They earnestly sought the Lord, and their hearts were in tune with Him. I said that God blesses active churches. That is usually true, but we must ensure that our activity is pleasing to Him. Being busy doesn’t always translate into blessing.

If we are to impact our world for Christ, we must seek the Lord. We must desire His touch on our lives
and in our work more than anything else. This will require sacrifice, but it is essential. A half-
hearted, unconcerned effort will not produce a desirable result. We need a burden for our church
and the world around us. We need to come before the Lord in heartfelt prayer and commitment,
staying before the throne of grace until we experience the presence and power of God.

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. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. This is powerful. 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. It is evident to see that the people were committed to following the guidance of the Holy Spirit. They were not concerned with pleasing men or “doing church” in a way that brought the approval of the world.

The Spirit led and directed their work. This is one essential that we must comprehend and embrace. If we are to impact our community and even the world, we must be submissive to the leadership of the Spirit. We must be willing to follow as He leads. (The early church couldn’t argue that it had never been done that way. We shouldn’t either.) This will likely involve moving outside our comfort zone but follow we must. It may involve stepping out in faith and into new areas of ministry, but we must be obedient to the direction of the Spirit. Each of us must be willing to allow Him unhindered access to our lives, completely surrendered to His leading.