The Preparing Time

“And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the LORD carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.” Acts 8:39-40.

Many people tell the story of Philip meeting the Ethiopian eunuch, explaining the scripture to him, and baptizing him. It is a good story. It starts with Philip obeying the Spirit of the Lord. Anything that starts that way has to be good right? Well, maybe right. The surprise comes when Philip is transported to Azotus. I’m pretty sure going to Azotus wasn’t on Philip’s original to-do list.

Philip seemed to be working on a thriving ministry in Samaria. Then he is called to go to the desert. Our Lord rarely gives us a reason to do what we are called to do. We are simply called to do it.

Now, I am being called to wait. I do not like being called to wait. I am a do-er by nature. My dreams are filled with action and adventure. My heart sings in a place of busyness with things to do and people to meet. The days of preparing are long and quiet.

In the stillness, doubt threatens to sneak in. Like a serpent, sliding coldly up to my ear, whispering “You are not good enough.”  I know now to call him on those lies but the tactics are many. He throws wounding dart after wounding dart and though I rebuke and speak truth, the darts threaten to worm their way into my heart.

Then, I read of Philip. His whole plan disrupted for the salvation of one eunuch. When God calls, he goes and then finds himself somewhere else entirely. This is the message of my God. We are to go, relying only on Him to make it to our destination.  We are to spread the gospel. We are to reach each person placed in our path. We are to go out as sheep among wolves, knowing that since our God is for us, none can harm us.

I am reminded of the question I ask the girls when they doubt, what is possible negative outcome. If we live, it is good. We get to continue in service and fellowship here. If we die, it is good. We get to go home.  If we are hurt, we know the pain is only temporary. We will either be healed or go home.   The preparing time is not easy or fun but it is necessary.