Acts 13:2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
3 Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.
“Ministering” denotes doing work for FATHER and it focuses on helping others in some manner in response to FATHER’S direction. Fasting is intended to bring the five physical senses, logic, and human reasoning into subjection thus quieting the soul and body in some manner. Many people think that simply going hungry is fasting but I would say that bringing your appetite into subjection and no longer allowing stimulation by food, drink, entertainment, or other sources is the intent of fasting. Some people are simply addicted to stimulation and must overcome it in order to hear FATHER.
Once you focus on improving your hearing, you are ready to hear and respond in a greater manner. This is depicted in the following passage:
8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so his name is translated) withstood them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith.
9 Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him
10 and said, “O full of all deceit and all fraud,you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? 11 And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.”
And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand.
12 Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had been done, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.
Paul was now fully equipped to deal with those he encountered and see beyond the outer man. Not only did FATHER expose the inner man but judgment came upon Elymas who attempted to hinder the ministry of Paul and Barnabas. Do you think that men today are shielded from such exposure when encountering those whom FATHER has called, activated, and authenticated? Now is the time of the unveiling and exposing of all men’s hearts. We must take our place ministering to THE LORD and fast according to our unique requirements to increase our sensitivity to HIS SPIRIT. As we do, the resources of Heaven will be imparted for our use to establish HIS Kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven.