Embrace the Standstills and Remain Busy

“They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews.” Acts 18:19 NIV

With a sheet of ice covering most of Midwest Missouri yesterday morning and with more snow and ice on the way, I continued my normal routine of Bible study alongside my husband and then hopped on my recumbent bike (plan B) in lieu of my morning run before church (which my husband and I watched online later because it was canceled due to the winter weather). And while this was not the ideal workout at all (I loathe indoor cardio), I smiled knowing that in due time, the roads and the trails would eventually be cleared and I could get back out there doing what I love. Meanwhile, I used the time on the bike to write this blog and search out races that the Lord might be calling my husband and me to participate in as part of Runners Church Team Three. 

And, you know, when it comes to God’s perfect will and His perfect timing, the Bible tells us that, although Paul was kept from going to Ephesus earlier as he had hoped and prayed to do, the Lord didn’t tell him “no” but “later.” And as we see in Acts 18, this delay allowed Paul to meet Priscilla and Aquila whom he took with him to “Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila…” Because of Paul’s obedience to God’s perfect plan (that he most likely didn’t understand at the time), Paul was accompanied by this godly duo who he left there before traveling to his next divine duty station. And it was there in Ephesus that Priscilla and Aquila were in the right place at the right time to educate and equip Apollos to fulfill the mission God was preparing him for in Achaia—thus showing that God works in His time, and in His way, for our good and for His glory. Do you just love that or what? 

So, if you find yourself at a standstill today, don’t be downcast my friend. Remain busy and continue putting in the work so that when the time is right, you’ll be ready to go wherever it is God is calling you to go—remembering that many times it’s only in looking back that you can understand the reasons for your wait. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that if we will listen to your voice and heed your commands, especially when we don’t understand the why’s, that we will always see and experience things far greater than we could ever think of or imagine. Help us to be obedient to your every direction Lord that we might be used in big and mighty ways like the disciples. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!