“But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus.” Galatians 1:15-17 (NIV)
Has it ever crossed your mind to spend your holiday in Arabia? I guess only the most adventurous amongst us will be able to answer in the affirmative, and even then, we will struggle to find a few people so inclined. The reality is that but for the oil and the attendant high finance that attract people to the region, many of us will struggle for a reason to spend our hard earned holidays there. The extremes of daily temperatures do not help matters and tourists’ attractions are also thin on the ground. This brings us to the all important question, what on earth was Paul doing in Arabia?
As unlikely as it may seem, the simple answer is that he was led there by God. To do what? Well, nothing really! You ask, what do you mean by nothing? Well, can you point to any enduring legacy attributed to Paul due to his stay in Arabia? The answer is no? So, why would God lead him to such a desolate place only to accomplish nothing? The real reason is that God sent Paul to Arabia because He wanted to have him all to Himself. Arabia meant no distraction or full communion. Period!
The bible recorded the fact that Jesus called His disciples to be with Him so that they might witness for Him. Arabia represented to Paul what being with Jesus and learning at His feet was to the early Apostles. The solitude, tough conditions and other things that we are not aware of produced a spirit-enhancing and flesh-repressing atmosphere conducive to receiving from God. Arabia helped Paul clarify his vision, remove some character deficits, mellow his tempestuousness, receive revelations that would enable him to embark on the paradigm shift needed to take the church forward and to become anointed to succeed as God intended. Paul might have gone to Arabia only knowing that he was a metal in God’s hand, but by the time he returned, he was sure what kind of metal he was and for what purpose God had placed him on the earth.
The important fact to note is that it was the Holy Spirit that led Paul into Arabia. He was neither a wilderness pioneer eager to make a name for himself nor was he tired of civilisation. Another point we need to note is that the same Holy Spirit need not send us to Arabia as He could well chose to bring Arabia to us where we are. The effect on us and the end product will still be the same thing. He could just as easily isolate us in the midst of a crowd as He would by sending us to Arabia. You will just realise that people do not really understand what you are going through and you are unable to talk to anyone about it. Nevertheless, understand that God’s end always justifies His means. So, if you are presently going through your own wilderness experience, take heart, for He who began the good work in you will certainly finish it.
Prayer:
Lord, the popular saying is that a problem shared is a problem solved. When you lead me into situations where I am unable to share my deepest feelings with any one, help me to realise that you want me to turn to you and lean on your grace. I know that you will cause all things to work together for my good because I trust in you. Amen.