Hello All,
Did I mention that I am loving this book!? Chapter 6, page 89, covering Acts 11:19-26. Barnabas has just gone to collect Paul for the revival that is taking place in Antioch. For 3 years, Paul has been living in the shadows, being trained and readied for the ministry. It's amazing, but when we think of Paul, we think of all the glory stories that are par for his life. Yet, in the beginning, there was a time of training and equipping. Here are Chuck Swindoll's closing remarks that really spoke to me about this period of our waiting.
"Let me suggest four principles I find between the lines of the events we've just considered. They may mean more to you later than now-in a time when God leads you to wait in the shadows...
First, when God prepares us for effective ministry, He includes what we would rather omit- a period of waiting. That cultivates patience...
Second, as God makes us wait, hiding us in His shadow, He show us we're not indispensible. That makes us humble...
Third, while God hides us away, He reveals new dimensions of Himself and new insights regarding ministry. That makes us deep...
Fourth, when God finally chooses to use us, it comes at a time least expected, when we feel the least qualified. That makes us effective..."
And finally the quote that so encouraged my soul this week, especially in light of all the time we have spent beyond what we had originally believed:
"Exceptional work is preceded by extended waiting."
Lord, may it be so!
Blessings To The Friends Of Spain,
Frank Sanchez
3 comments:
Was Paul ever LOST, Find out next week. Will he convert them all? or escape the ISLAND!!
By the way that last blog was from someone in San Diego.
Paul was indeed shipwrecked on a mysterious island. While he was gathering firewood, a "smokey" maltese viper took hold of his hand. He shook it off and suffered no ill effects! Hmm....
And Wednesday will be a blast!
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