Acts 13:4 The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus.

Sometimes the simplest, most matter-of-fact statements in the Bible have great importance and impact. The fact that Saul (Paul) and Barnabas were sent by the Holy Spirit was entirely ordinary to Luke as he was writing, as it is to many Christians today, but it is in fact supernatural from the very definition. Those who are habitually led by the Holy Spirit are sometimes surprised and even amused by people’s reactions when they mention some point of guidance. Some people take such things as spiritual conceit, and it is true that people sometimes use “God told me” as an excuse for their own selfish desires. However, Paul said to the Romans that being led by the Holy Spirit is a hallmark of all children of God. (Romans 8:14) Being a Christian is supernatural business, and we must not forget it. Most of the time we tend to operate like everyone around us, but that is a waste, a deception, and a trap. Paul scolded the believers in Corinth for acting like that! (1 Corinthians 3:1-4) One of the most important facets of spiritual growth is recognizing and following the guidance of the Holy Spirit more accurately. After all, He will always lead us to Christ.

The story of my life, as it is for every Christian, is one of learning to hear and obey the Holy Spirit. The world is full of noise, both physically and spiritually, and it takes focus on our part and grace and mercy on God’s part for us to hear Him accurately. As a pastor, I need to hear accurately so that I can lead the believers to do likewise. I am not to apologize for hearing from God, but neither am I to flaunt it. My goal as a pastor is for every believer to hear Him as accurately as I do and more so. Some pastors are jealous of their position and feel threatened by spiritual growth in their congregation. That is a tragedy and a travesty of the office of pastor! I need to have Moses’ attitude, who when told that “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp,” said, “I wish that all the LORD’s people were prophets and that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!” (Numbers 11:26-29) I am to be led and used by the Holy Spirit, and I am to encourage as many as possible to do likewise.

Father, thank You for the incredible privilege of being led and used by You through Your Spirit. Help me open the eyes of the believers to understand that the same privilege is available to them, and that You desire to lead them even more than they desire to be led. May we be a supernatural congregation in all respects, not to be weird but to be fully and vitally all that You created and intended us to be, for the salvation of many and for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!