WEDNESDAY April 26, 2023

A Time to Be Still

So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus. Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God. Then all who heard were amazed, and said, “Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?” But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.
Acts 9:19-22

Saul’s conversion caused many Christians to become uneasy. They did not believe he had a true conversion. They really did not want him around. They felt like he was undercover––spying on them. Believers were afraid because they expected, at any moment, for Saul to turn on them and throw them into prison. Yet they need not have worried because Saul had a true conversion.

Historically, hidden between verses 21 and 22, there was a three-year period when Saul went into Arabia to be discipled by Jesus Christ himself! Paul described this unique time in the Arabian dessert:

...I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother (Galatians 1:16-19).

This is a very important step for new believers. When a person is saved, they want to become involved with so many ministries; but it is better to be still––to sit and study the Word of God. A new believer needs to grow and mature––to become equipped for the work of the ministry. Have you considered going to a new believers’ class, taking a Bible School or Leadership class? God is faithful. As you study His Word, He will direct you into the right ministry where your individual gifts and talents can be used for His glory.

“If you are ignorant of God’s Word, you will always be ignorant of God’s will.”
~Billy Graham~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!