When we follow Christ, we soon realize our plans often differ from His. Even Paul’s calling wasn’t clear right away (Acts 9:15). Once a persecutor of Christians, he encountered Jesus and was transformed. When God revealed through Ananias that Paul would be a witness to kings, Israel, and the Gentiles, he responded quickly, preaching in synagogues (Acts 9:19–20), but faced rejection and death threats (Acts 9:23–25).

He then spent three years in Arabia, waiting and learning. When he returned to Jerusalem, the disciples feared him with only Barnabas believing in his change (Acts 9:26–27). Later, Paul again faced opposition and was sent to Tarsus (Acts 9:28–30), where he stayed for ten years.

God’s plan for Paul unfolded slowly with Paul waiting nearly 15 years, likely still ministering in the background, before stepping into his mission. If you’re in a season of delay, take heart. God is preparing both you and the people you’re meant to reach.

Like Paul, we are all called to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20). Making disciples often means stepping outside our comfort zones. While waiting, we learn that God has a purpose, that His timing is different, and we must obey today.

While Paul waited in Tarsus, believers in Antioch were reaching Gentiles (Acts 11:19–21). The apostles sent Barnabas to see what was happening and he brought Paul to help (Acts 11:25–26). It was there that Paul’s mission began and in Acts 13:1-3, we see Paul finally sent out. God was orchestrating things Paul couldn’t see and the same is true for all of us.

From Antioch, Paul launched his first missionary journey. On the second, the Spirit redirected him from Asia (Acts 16:6–7), eventually leading him to Europe. By his third journey, he reached as far as Spain, and within 300 years, much of the Roman Empire had embraced Christianity.

Paul fulfilled his calling because he chose to go beyond - beyond his plans, his comfort, and what was familiar. Today, billions still haven’t heard the Gospel. As the only majority-Christian nation in the 10/40 Window, the Philippines has a mission too. What will you do to go beyond? Step into your calling today.

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LAST WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE

A vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing and appealing to him, and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” When he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. (Acts 16:9-10)