“But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.” (Galatians 1:15-17, ESV)
For the past few days, we have studied events in the life of Paul, especially his conversion experience.
When Paul met Jesus on the road to Damascus, he may not have immediately realized the significant changes that would come into his life. His associations would change. No longer would his Pharisee friends and the religious leaders accept him. On the other hand, the disciples of Jesus would be suspicious of him until he could gain their trust, and that would take time. His world was upside down. What should he do next? Where should he go? He had many things to figure out.
THE DESERT YEARS
The Bible gives us few details about the next three years of Paul’s life. Luke’s account in Acts 9 does not mention the three years he spent in Arabia. But it was during this time of quietness and solitude that Paul received an education even greater than his studies at the feet of Gamaliel. He learned at the feet of Jesus, and the Lord revealed Himself in a marvelous way to Paul.
“For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 1:11-12, ESV)
What Paul learned during those years became the foundation for his teaching and ministry. He needed that time alone with the Lord for his own growth and development as a follower of Christ. Although schooled in Old Testament Law from his studies under Gamaliel, Paul needed a strong relationship with the Lord to fulfill his new calling. He would encounter many hardships and trials during his missionary travels. Those years of preparation would give him the strength and confidence he needed.
Isaiah 30:15 assures us, “For thus says the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel: ‘In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.’”
SOLITUDE AND GROWTH
Every child of God needs dedicated time alone with the Lord where we allow Him to reveal Himself to us. It is through these times of quiet solitude that we develop and grow our relationship with Him. We may never “hide in the desert” for three years like Paul, but it is crucial that we separate ourselves from the activities and noise of the world each day to hear His voice.
“Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus,” an old hymn by Helen Lemmel, reminds me to shut myself in with the Lord and look in His face. As I commune in that place of solitude, I find direction for my life and strength for the journey.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
Devotion by Mary Loudermilk
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