God’s Waiting Room

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…Ā But when God, who set me apart from my motherā€™s womb and called me by his grace, was pleasedĀ to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being. I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus.” Galatians 1:15-17 NIV

As Paul writes to the believers at Galatia, he expresses concern over their vulnerability to be influenced by those who are preaching “another Jesus.” Paul uses this as a springboard to rehearse his calling and his preparation for ministry. Only in this letter is it revealed that Paul when he encountered the Lord on the road to Damascus, did not immediately begin to preach and go to Jerusalem to meet with the apostles. He spent time in Arabia before returning to Damascus. It was three years after his conversion that he made his historic trip to Jerusalem as a new convert of Jesus.

How this timeline breaks down is not known. Paul’s “desert” experience was a time of preparation and a time of revelation from Christ. He says, I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin.Ā I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 1:11,12 NIV)

Paul’s world was rocked when Christ interrupted his zeal for the Jewish faith. It is understandable that a time of reflection, prayer and preparation for what was ahead would be in order. Many great men of faith found themselves in the “desert” for a season. Moses and Elijah are prominent examples in the Old Testament. We see Jesus’ time in the wilderness before His ministry began.

I am also reminded of Paul’s words to Timothy, “Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands…”Ā (1 Timothy 5:22 NIV) This reference to recognizing individuals for ministry, reveals that patience, training and “proving” is important for the work of the gospel.

In his history, we see a significant interlude before launching into his apostolic ministry. Three years! But those three years were vital to the credibility and effectiveness of the years that followed.

The “take away” for us to consider are the times of waiting, the “desert” experiences, the solitude that is a lost spiritual discipline. Rushing ahead in zeal, opposed to patiently waiting for God’s timing can be difficult, but is often what is required for credible, long term effectiveness. I am finding that this is needed not just at the beginning, but often at critical junctures in our life’s journey.

Prayer for today…Ā Lord, thank you for the lessons that we can learn alone from You. Grant the patience to seek You and allow for Your timing and Your direction as we seek Your will for our life.