[S] Galatians 1:17b-18 --
but I went away to Arabia, and returned once more to Damascus.18 Then three years later I went up to Jerusalem to become acquainted with Cephas, and stayed with him fifteen days.
[O] Calling from God does not necessarily means immediate installation into a role in His ministry's front line because there may be a trip through Arabia just like Paul where God uses as a refinement period. Paul's conversion was definitely a powerful one and his transformation was amazingly clear and Jesus' direct revelation to Paul made it even more significant. However, he had to spend three years in Arabia before God plugged him into the ministry. And the rest is history as we know how God used Paul to bless us even now. After following Jesus, the excitements of learning more about Him and His ministry through the studying of His word is a great source of strength. Along this path, God narrows down the path for us to follow and for the most part He will reveal His calling for our lives. Receiving such a calling is quite special for sure but need to realize that there may be the journey through "Arabia" before He we will be used in His ministry.
[A] Why does it always seem to take longer than how I like it to be in developing God's ministry in my community? I need to be careful because behind such a statement is my pride. As Paul took three years in Arabia to be refined by God before he is put into His ministry, I must also realize I need to be refined by God before He can use me effectively.
[P] Dear Father, here I am. Use me and take me through Arabia for my refinement. I am sure it will be a period of loneliness and many tests but I want to come out as a refined gold or silver to be used to fulfill Your calling for my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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