This week, I had the privilege of going to our district conference and one of the speakers talked about the church in Antioch. He referenced Acts 13:2, where we see a pivotal moment in the early church’s history. This is what it says: “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.’”
Those words, “set apart for me,” hold profound significance. God had a specific plan for Barnabas and Saul, using them to spread the Gospel to the Gentile world. Their obedience led to countless lives being changed, cities transformed, and the message of Jesus reaching places it had never been before. It’s awe-inspiring to think about the ripple effects of their willingness to be set apart.
This moment in Scripture isn’t just about two men in the early church. It’s a reminder that God has a plan for each of us. In the same way He set apart Barnabas and Saul, He desires to set us apart for His purposes.
Being “set apart” might look like leading a Bible study, teaching a Sunday school class, or even mentoring a younger believer. But it can also be a matter of the heart—choosing to love a difficult neighbor, extending grace to someone who has hurt us, or standing up for what is right even when it’s not easy. Our callings may look different, but they all flow from the same source: God’s desire to use us in His Kingdom.
Imagine a gardener planting seeds in different parts of a garden. Some seeds grow into large trees that provide shade and fruit, while others are smaller flowers that add color and fragrance. Each plant is different, but each has a role in making the garden beautiful. In the same way, God places each of us where we’re meant to grow. The question is, are we open to being set apart for His work, even if it looks different than we imagined?
We may never find ourselves traveling to distant lands like Paul and Barnabas, but that doesn’t mean our calling is any less significant. Sometimes, the most profound impact comes from the quiet, everyday faithfulness of shining a light at work, being a godly influence to our children, or being a source of encouragement in our community. All of it matters, because it’s all a part of the bigger picture—of loving God, loving others, and extending His Kingdom wherever we go.
So, take a moment to pause and seek the Lord. What might He be calling you to do in this season of life? Maybe it’s a new opportunity or a challenge that’s been on your heart. Perhaps it’s a step of faith you’ve been hesitant to take. As you spend time in prayer, be open to the Holy Spirit’s voice, just like the believers in Antioch were. Let Him show you the unique ways He wants to set you apart for His work, knowing that when you say yes to God, you never know whose life might be changed through your obedience.
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