Think on this!

What are the “desires of our heart”?

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. Galatians 5:16-24 (ESV)

Our innermost thoughts, wants, desires and needs! We are known before we were created, every millimeter of our being! Trust in The LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in The LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart. For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in The LORD will inherit the land.

We are tested with desires and passions.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4

https://www.openbible.info/topics/being_tested

Paul was given a choice; yes Paul was passionate about his beliefs. Paul had decided to preach to gentiles apparently out of his own revelatory experience that this was the mission that had been given him by God when God called him to function as a prophet for this new Jesus movement.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/to-the-jew-first-and-also-to-the-greek

The Apostle Paul’s Birth & Education

c. A.D. 6 Born a Roman citizen to Jewish parents in Tarsus (in modern eastern Turkey)

c. 20–30 Studies Torah in Jerusalem with Gamaliel; becomes a Pharisee

c. 30–33 Persecutes followers of Jesus of Nazareth in Jerusalem and Judea***

Then his Conversion:

c. 33–36 Converted on the way to Damascus (to continue his passionate ‘religious’ leanings.); spends three years in Arabia; returns to Damascus to preach Jesus as Messiah.

One of the more tantalizing aspects of Paul’s early ministry is his “three years in Arabia.” In Galatians 1:17, Paul claims he did not go to Jerusalem immediately, but rather he went to Arabia for a period of time before returning to Damascus. (Feel free to touch on this further.) https://readingacts.com/2017/09/08/why-did-paul-go-to-arabia/

c. 36 Flees Damascus because of persecution; visits Jerusalem and meets with the apostles

36–44 Preaches in Tarsus and surrounding region

44–46 Invited by Barnabas to teach in Antioch

46 With Barnabas visits Jerusalem to bring a famine relief offering

Mission Trips

47–48 First missionary journey with Barnabas, to Cyprus and Galatia

49 At the Council of Jerusalem, Paul argues successfully that Gentile Christians need not follow Jewish law; returns to Antioch; confronts Peter over question of Jewish law

49–52 Second missionary journey with Silas, through Asia Minor and Greece; settles in Corinth; writes letters to Thessalonians

52 Visits Jerusalem and Antioch briefly; begins third missionary journey

52–55 Stays in Ephesus; writes the letters to Galatians and Corinthians

55–57 Travels through Greece and possibly Illyricum (modern Yugoslavia); writes letter to Romans

Paul’s Arrest & Death

57–59 Returns to Jerusalem and arrested; imprisoned at Caesarea

59–60 Appears before Festus and appeals to Caesar; voyage to Rome

60–62 Under house arrest at Rome; writes letters to Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon

62–64 Released; journeys to Spain?; writes letters to Timothy and Titus

64 Returns to Rome; martyred

Mind you: Paul’s will/desire was that he move on, but his job was not complete. What does he share in reference to when an individual is “called” to share The Word? https://www.crossway.org/articles/9-considerations-what-does-paul-mean-by-be-able-to-teach/

A lot to simmer on. We will continue, my leading? To ask what you are called to do.