For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. 12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. 13 For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. 14 And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, 16 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. 19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother. 20 (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!) 21 Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they glorified God because of me.
I first became aware of how God shapes and strengthens us through trial and challenge when I was in college. After a brief hiatus from school because of very poor grades, and a failed real estate career attempt, I returned to college. I had not stopped hanging out at the Lutheran Campus Center there – even when I was not attending college. And the combination of failing grades, career challenges, and an unravelling romantic relationship with my girlfriend was taking taking its toll. I felt like I was in a ringer of life’s challenges.
Then I discovered James 1:2, “Count it all joy when you face challenges of every kind, for…the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” And 1 Peter 1:6-7, “There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine.” Those challenges remained even after vocation and romantic relationships were settled. I recall a sermon in chapel one day at the seminary. Dr. Eggold preached in Romans 5, reminding us that we can and should rejoice in our sufferings because they make us stronger.
Paul’s spiritual formation take place over the 12 to 14 years between his conversion and his commissioning with Barnabas at the church in Antioch. He was shaped by God through his preaching and interactions with the Apostles in Jerusalem, and no doubt through his relationship with Barnabas. This was a period of testing, and while Saul was preaching in the various areas, this activity would be eclipsed by his later missionary work. Even that remarkable productive and effectual time included times of remarkable challenge.
Peter and James are mentioned by Paul here in Galatians 1. Their writings along with Paul’s reflect a truth that Paul experienced first hand. No doubt so did Peter and James – and many others throughout the ages. God shapes us through hardship.
We may yearn for times of rest and peace. Those times are blessings for which we rightly thank God. But when times are challenging we can also thank God, for he is shaping us and forming us and refining our faith. And God is glorified when we look to him, seek his strength, rejoice in his goodness, faithfulness, and love.
David Bahn - Reflections 
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