As I was reading through the book of Acts today I came across Paul’s trial towards the end of his ministry. He is describing how he persecuted the believers of the way and then how Jesus met him on the road to Damascus. He then talks about meeting Ananias after being led to Jerusalem by hand due to his blindness. Ananias prays and Paul’s eyes open. Ananias also declares that Paul will be a witness to all that he has seen and heard and then follows up by saying;

And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.’ Acts 22:16 (NIV)

I love the start of that sentence – WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

Bear in mind all that Paul has done, the pain, the suffering, the brokenness he must have been carrying. In the modern church I’m not sure we would have sent him out like that 3 days after his conversion. We would have put him in theology classes and trained him in the way to ensure that he wouldn’t go ‘off on one’ like his past suggested he could!

The thing is Paul had encountered the living God and the Lord had spoken. When we truly encounter Him and His voice speaks then it doesn’t matter what is appropriate or normal – we do what He has called us to do.

If we are a follower of Jesus today we have received the call that all believers have from the Great Commission so I guess the question is – What are we waiting for? Let’s declare that Jesus is our saviour, wash away our sins, calling on His name and do what we are called to do.