Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
Galatians 1:11-24 (NIV)
Paul Called by God
11 I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. 12 I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ. 13 For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. 14 I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased 16 to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being. 17 I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus. 18 Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days. 19 I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother. 20 I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie. 21 Then I went to Syria and Cilicia. 22 I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they praised God because of me.
How important is it to you to consult with others on major decisions you make?
Holy God, I thank you that You have provided me faithful Christian friends, family, and church community. Through these faithful people, I am encouraged, supported, coached, counseled, ministered to, and edified. I have learned from their faith, leaned on their courage, and worked with them to serve You. When You give me a clear word, I don’t look for the counsel of others but am eager to share what You have told me to encourage and rejoice together. When I am unclear of the direction You desire me to go, I lay out my options to faithful friends to help me discern Your voice. Often I receive perspectives and concepts that I didn’t consider. Sometimes those views can conflict with what I heard from You or what I feel in my heart. I always take it back to You in prayer and balance it with Your Word for clarification and direction. The way I should go is determined by listening to Your voice. My desire is not to listen to others but to be in Your Will. Ultimately only You can reveal Your will. Sometimes I am pushed to step out in faith, with no guarantees, no idea of how it will be accomplished but just to trust in You. Consulting others in those times would cause additional angst and delays. Those are the times my faith grows the most. I pray Lord that for the major decisions in my life right now, that I hear Your direction and Your voice. Show me the way You want me to go and allow me to be fruitful for Your kingdom where ever You lead me. Amen