From God's perspective
Read Romans 8:22-23
PAUL
Any study of the life of the Apostle Paul requires a serious look at the subject of pain. Suffering is not a pleasant subject to explore. Explaining Paul's words to the Romans, John Stott writes, "It is not only our fragile body which makes me groan; it is also our fallen nature, which hinders us from behaving as we should. Our groans express both present pain and future longing. Some Christians, however, grin too much (they seem to have no place in their theology for pain) and groan too little."
Trusting God in the shadows
Read Acts 11:25; 2 Corinthians 12:2-6
PAUL
I want to dispense a fresh supply of hope. To help accomplish that, let me suggest four principles. They may mean more to you later than now — in a time when God leads you to wait in the shadows.
God's waiting room
Read Acts 11:25; 2 Corinthians 12:2-6
PAUL
If you go back 14 years from the time Paul wrote the second letter to the believers at Corinth, that places him at the time he was waiting in Tarsus. Quite possibly, during one of his numerous floggings he received in Tarsus, or in an agonizing battle to survive being stoned, he lapsed into a semi-conscious state — something of a trance. Possibly, while in that state of mind, the Lord transported him to Paradise and revealed inexpressible, profound truths to him.
Out of the shadows
Read Acts 11:19-26
PAUL
Some of you who read these words today could use a little extra hope, especially if you find yourself in a waiting mode. You were once engaged in the action, doing top-priority work on the front lines. No longer. All that has changed. Now, for some reason, you're on the shelf. It's tough to stay encouraged perched on a shelf. Your mind starts playing tricks on you.
Stubborn independence
Read Acts 9:28-31
PAUL
Humble reliance
Read Acts 9:28-31
PAUL
Wasn't it a waste of great talent for God to put Paul on hold? Not at all. Wasn't Tarsus a strange assignment? Not if He wanted him to be prepared to write the letter to the Romans. Not if he would have any lasting impact on the backsliding believers at Corinth. Not if He wanted Paul to mentor Timothy for a lifetime of strategic ministry in Ephesus. Those projects (and dozens of others) called for a depth of character, forged through the lessons that taught him dependence — both on God and on others.
The value of others
Read Acts 9:28-31
PAUL
The Message, Eugene Peterson's paraphrase, wraps up this part of the narrative nicely: "Things calmed down after that and the church had smooth sailing for a while. All over the country — Judea, Samaria, Galilee — the church grew. They were permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God. The Holy Spirit was with them, strengthening them. They prospered wonderfully."
Son of encouragement
Read Acts 9:26-30
PAUL
The disciples feared Saul. They couldn't bring themselves to believe he was a disciple. "But Barnabas..." Isn't that a great opening? Out of nowhere comes Barnabas to encourage Saul and be his personal advocate. How did Barnabas know Saul needed his help? We don't know. Yet we do know that God is sovereign and has his Barnabases in every town, every church, on every college and seminary campus, and even on the mission field. Each Barnabas stands ready at a moment's notice to come to the aid of someone in need of encouragement.
A lesser known
Read Acts 9:26-30
PAUL
Slow down
Read Galatians 1:11-17
PAUL
Part of the solution is to pursue the benefits of solitude and silence found in times of obscurity. For the first time in seven years, I took six weeks off one summer.No preaching, no writing, no counselling, no speaking engagements ... no nothing. I focused on slowing down and refilling my soul with the deep things of the Lord. I prayed, I sang, I studied, I walked, I fished, I stayed quiet, and I sat thinking about and re-evaluating my life. It was magnificent!