Tarsus

Acts 9:19-31; Acts 10; Acts 11:19-25

Truth: God prepares His sheep through times of , which are meant to sharpen their , break down their , and shape their .

Yet those who wait for the Lord Will gain new strength;They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.  Isaiah 40:31 NASB

The word shows up far more in our than in God’s plans.

Waiting scratches against our human .

Saul likely lived back in Tarsus for up to years and was probably in his when he was called to Antioch.

Some Truths To Embrace!

• God knows you are.
• – is not necessary or .
• We need to and exercise .

Now faith is the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 NASB

• is God’s concern, not name recognition.

God Was Working!

• received a .  (Acts 10)
• was happening.
• Revival is what happens when people (deal with their ) and turn to Christ and live for Him.

What About Saul!

• How about his , his ?
• He is learning to , not have confidence in the , but in the .
• He is learning – is not the main character – is.

Therefore I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in distresses, in persecutions, in difficulties, in behalf of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong.   2 Corinthians 12:10 NASB

Are There Benefits To Waiting On The Lord?

1^st He gives us direction.

2^nd He gets us in with Himself.

3^rd He us for the future.

4^th He strengthens our .

5^th He gets our and sifts our .

6^th He allows us to see Him working in our .

If It Is Wise To Wait, How Do We Do It?

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!  Psalms 37:7 ESV

My soul waits in silence for God alone; From Him comes my salvation.   Psalms 62:1 NASB