God uses people who are sensitive.
“When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.” Acts 9:26-27 (NIV)
Where would you be without someone believing in you? Everybody needs a Barnabas! Saul would have never become the Apostle Paul without a Barnabas in his life. Barnabas was sensitive to the activity of God. He recognized God at work in Saul’s life and willingly stood in the gap for him when others wanted to reject him. Barnabas was sensitive enough to detect the person behind the murderous past. He identified what Saul could become as the Apostle Paul and thoughtfully worked behind the scenes to help Paul reach his God-given potential.
Spend some time reflecting on your spiritual journey. Identify the people God brought into your life who became like a Barnabas to you and helped you develop in your faith. Write their names down and pray over each name. Thank God for their influence in your life.
Are you willing to be a Barnabas to someone this week? Would you be willing to be sensitive to the activity of God in someone’s life and allow God to use you to be a blessing?
Pursuing God,
Stephen Trammell,
Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care