There is an order of operations to serving God. Rather than bring our plans to God for blessings, we should follow the example of the disciples. They didn’t tell God their plans, but came to him for direction.

The church that seeks God comes to know, serve, and see God.

That’s the typical order of operations: Seek, Know, Serve & See.

1. Seek

The church in Antioch regularly fasted and worshiped (v. 2). Chapters 11 & 13 tell us that God had given prophets and teachers to the church in Antioch. Every disciple must learn to hear God’s guidance, but those with the specific gift of prophecy seem to be particularly effective. While they all were seeking God, the Holy Spirit spoke to them.

2. Know

The Spirit told them to set Saul and Barnabas aside for the work to which he had called them. They learned about God’s missionary heart. In the subsequent chapters they would fully embrace the mission to the Gentiles. The Cross of Christ was meant for all people to be saved.

3. Serve

They served the Lord by obediently going on the mission and the church served the Lord by obediently sending them. They went out with God’s burden to have the Gospel of Jesus proclaimed “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

4. See

As soon as they stepped out to serve God, things started happening. Kingdom clashes with evil were offset by Gentiles and others being converted to Christ (see Acts 13:12).

Taking It Home: Carve out time to regularly seek God through Scripture, fasting, worship and prayer. Test what you think he is saying by sharing with other mature Christians. Ask God to give you a heart like his, that desires what he wants.