I received this devotion back in early December from our youth pastor… it is until now that I can really meditate on it and really see how it has helped reveal what I am going through with what I know is God’s call on my life, CultureShock Magazine… So much has happened since the launch of the first issue. With funding, legal, structural & accounting needs, I know that all I can do it take it one day at a time and trust in God’s plan. I keep thinking to myself… “If only I had more time in the day… if only I didn’t have to work a second job… if I could just do this full time… if I could just get the money I need to set up the non profit… etc… etc… etc…” Little did I really know that he is absolutely trying to put some separation between my ‘old life’ and my ‘new life!’

I hope these words encourage any of you going through a time of ‘waiting’ and ‘trusting’:

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 1:17

The apostle Paul tells us in the first chapter of Galatians some of the facts surrounding his own conversion. He tells us that he clearly understood the call Jesus placed on his life. He did not have to consult other men about this calling. But before he was released to begin his own mission, He went to Arabia for three years. Why did Paul have to go to Arabia for three years before he ever met another disciple of Jesus Christ?

The Scripture does not tell us plainly why Paul spent three years in Arabia. However, based upon many examples of God placing special calls on people’s lives, we know it often requires a time of separation between the old life and the new life. No doubt, Paul had plenty of time to consider what had taken place in his life and time to develop an intimate knowledge and relationship with the newfound Savior. His life was about to change dramatically.

So often, when God places a call on one of His children, it requires a separation between the old life and the new life. There is a time of being away from the old in order to prepare the heart for what is coming. It can be a painful and difficult separation. Joseph was separated from his family. Jacob was sent to live with his uncle Laban. Moses was sent to the desert.

Perhaps God has placed you in your own desert period. Perhaps you cannot make sense of the situation in which you find yourself. If you press into God during this time, He will reveal the purposes He has for you. The key is pressing into Him. Seek Him with a whole heart and He will be found. God may have a special calling and message He is building in your life right now. Trust in His love for you that He will fully complete the work He has started in you.