As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
For service to be effectual and for the Lord’s glory, it must be given and directed by the Lord. If Barnabas and Saul had decided that they had something they would prefer to do and never mind what the Spirit wanted, then their service, although perhaps tremendously successful, would bring no reward of “Well done” from the Lord. When the Lord lays a work on your heart, do it. You see, a work from Him cannot go against Scripture because the Lord would not contradict Himself. But something that you arrange could be very much against some teaching of Scripture. Doors will open for you when He’s behind the work.