God rocked Saul’s world on the Damascus Road. During that shake-up and conversion experience, God made it clear that Saul would do significant ministry work among the Gentiles. What I sometimes forget is that from that point on he pretty much disappears for 12 years. During these “behind the scenes” years, Saul spent time in Arabia, and then in Asia Minor and Tarsus, and finally two years or so in Antioch before we hear about him again in Acts 13. It is after these 12 years that the Holy Spirit works in the Antioch church to call Saul and Barnabas to take the gospel out from that church to the Gentiles. But I often forget about those years that Saul spent seemingly not doing significant ministry work (especially compared to the rest of his life).
Maybe many of us are like Saul. Maybe you set out to follow God wherever it led, and it seems like it hasn’t led much of anywhere, and now you aren’t sure what significant work you are going to do for God. Maybe you are in college and you were hoping that God was going to use you on campus to spark a revival, and you just don’t see that happening yet. Maybe you are approaching retirement, and still not sure how exactly you fit into the work that God is doing in the world. It has been rejuvenating for me to see that Saul didn’t waste his “behind the scenes” years. He spent time learning and growing in the faith. They were not inactive years at all. By the time Barnabas brings Saul from Tarsus to Antioch, Saul is ready to teach many people in the church (Acts 11:25-26). But that was after ten years of growth and learning.
Instead of thinking of your current life stage as inactive or unfruitful, maybe you are currently in years of preparation for significant ministry. Don’t neglect that. Grow. Learn. Take every advantage to strengthen your faith. Don’t give up on following God’s call, wherever that may lead. In Acts 13:9, Luke makes a shift and begins calling Saul Paul. And he never goes back. After 12 years of preparation, Paul was sent out to do some pretty significant work among the Gentiles.