Paul was used to travelling. Before he met the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus, he went all over Israel and to different countries, trying to eradicate the Christians and their faith (Acts 26:11). After having met Jesus and been commissioned by Him, Paul kept moving with the gospel message wherever the Holy Spirit led him. His preaching led people to put their trust in Jesus, and churches were formed. But how would they be taught and encouraged to live as believers amongst people who were hostile to them?
 
Initially, Paul visited them and grew his team of trusted colleagues who were sent to teach and supervise the young churches. But as a true pastor-teacher, Paul loved the people who had come to Christ under his ministry, whom he had nurtured in the faith. He had a special affection for the churches in Ephesus and Corinth where he had spent the longest periods of time, and also faced significant opposition.
 
His first visit to Corinth stirred up much hostility, and he was afraid. So the Lord used a vision to tell him, "'Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.' So Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God." (Acts 18:9-11). The same situation was now occurring in Ephesus and Paul hoped the Corinthians would understand his motives for delaying his next visit to them, assuring them that he wanted to spend significant time with them also.
 
How do you decide the priority of two or more equally important assignments? Many people will choose the easiest, the one with least difficulty. But that is not often God's way. He often seems to test our faith by taking us right up to a solid wall before revealing that there is a door. He takes us up to the last second before showing His way. He allows opposition as we engage with people about Jesus, and yet He guards His people as they release the gospel. He knows how to move us, placing us where He can use us. We may have plans to move but He can use us well where we are. Don't take the easy way out. The Lord will give you the wisdom and courage to stay or move, according to His will.