People usually don’t like to wait. I don’t like to wait and don’t know many others who enjoy waiting. During my Bible reading this week, I was struck by how long the Apostle Paul had to wait between the time of his conversion by Jesus to when he officially set off for his mission work.

Galatians 1 tells us that Paul waited 3 years in Damascus before going to Jerusalem for 2 weeks; then returned to Syria and Cilicia (Cilicia hosted Tarsus, Paul’s hometown). One theory holds that Paul may have moved back in with his parents – he would have been in his late 20s. Remember all of Pauls’ schooling, boasting and his rise in the ranks of the Sanhedrin (Acts 8:1 specifically calls him out for approving of their stoning of Stephen)? I would imagine that this would have been very humbling for Paul

Then Galatians 2 says that Paul waited 14 years there before going back to Jerusalem with Barnabas. It’s unknown what exactly Paul did during that time, but many think that he intentionally spent that time studying the Scriptures and growing in his faith. Maybe leading Bible studies in his home or church, some think preaching/teaching in local churches But he was likely still working making tents with his father (this is noted as his occupation in Acts 18:1-4) and continued to do this.

So, one could make the assertion that Paul waited 17 years for his “great mission” to begin. Paul used his waiting time well – what can we learn?

My church’s pastor talked about waiting this past week and had 3 lists for us to consider:

Remember:

• You’re not alone
• It will be hard
• There is a reward

Warnings:

• Keep working
• Don’t grumble
• Don’t lose heart

Commit To:

• Choose patience
• Stand firm
• Consider it a blessing

The takeaway today is that we all must wait, and waiting is a struggle, but what we do in the wait MATTERS. Use the time in the wait to grow, pray, come closer to God, care for others, be a blessing. There’s always something bigger than us going on and we as Christians are called to trust in God’s goodness and sovereignty in it.