Paul had a time in his life where he was where only God sees. After his conversion, it was 14 years before his first missionary trip. Those 14 years served a purpose for Jesus to prepare him for the ministry Jesus had for him. We also go through a time of preparation. We can learn from Paul about what to expect in our time of preparation. It will be a time of loss, but it will also be a time of productivity. Don't despise the time of preparation. There is a purpose for it.