Day 208 - The Confirmation from Fasting

Emily Green

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“After preaching the Good News in Derbe and making many disciples, Paul and Barnabas returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia, 22 where they strengthened the believers. They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God. 23 Paul and Barnabas also appointed elders in every church. With prayer and fasting, they turned the elders over to the care of the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. 24 Then they traveled back through Pisidia to Pamphylia. 25 They preached the word in Perga, then went down to Attalia.” - Acts 14:21-25 NLT

In this passage of Scripture, we see Paul and Barnabas appoint elders in the newly formed church. Acts 14:23 said that with “prayer and fasting,” they appointed these elders and turned them over to the care of the Lord. This means that Paul and Barnabas appointed these leaders and left them to run the church they formed, but not before praying and fasting about it.

Sometimes, we must pray and fast before making significant decisions. As mentioned earlier in the week, fasting helps us hear God’s voice more clearly. If we think we know what to do but are unsure, prayer and fasting bring confirmation. Like Paul and Barnabas fasted and prayed about who to appoint over the church, we should fast and pray for God’s guidance in our lives.

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Next Steps

• Think about it: What decisions do I have to make?

• Action Step: Pray and fast about that decision. When God gives you confirmation, write it down and date it.