Devotion Entry - Galatians 1:6-23 (September 10, 2008)

"The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy." Galatians 1:23 NIV

God never cease to surprise us! Even when we feel we have sinned far greatly and no longer worthy of God's mercy let alone being used for His mighty works.....

In the book of Galatians, i've seen how Saul/Paul turned 180 degrees to God. Being so merciless before in persecuting Christians but now, i can see how God has greatly touched and changed his life! Awesome! It says here in scriptures, "the man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy." Wow! If God changed the heart of such a hard man (Saul/Paul), how much more us? Should we doubt God's power to change us? By no means, NO! If God was able to stir up and change the heart of Saul/Paul, then surely how much more us! Asking God for a change of heart? Don't doubt! Trust! Believe!

Saul/Paul with much hatred against God, persecuted Christians and all those who believe in the Lord. But God didn't hold that against Paul, God didn't see that as sufficient reason to condemn him. What did God do? Instead of being angry, He changed not only Saul's name to Paul but also changed his heart. What's more? God mightily used Paul, giving him the honor of becoming a missionary and preaching the gospel to Jews and Gentiles alike. God used Paul despite all the things he committed in the past! God doesn't show favoritism, doesn't measure us through who we are, who we've been, what we've done. He sees us only with love. When at times we think we're the last ones to be chosen or given the honor to to do His works because of the gravity of our sins, He just surprises us by calling and using us as instruments to preach and glorify Him. Indeed God is sovereign, merciful and loving. So let's be prepared in season or out of season. We may never know that He's already calling us.. sometimes were even the ones who stubbornly cover our ears! Stay still and listen to His still small voice. Let's ask the Lord for awareness and sensitivity so we can hear Him clearly.

- MyMy

  September 10, 2008, 12:31 AM

  Room 205, Lezea Homes, Dumaguete City

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* Penned this down in my devo journal during my 2nd year in college. I was still staying in a boarding house back then with a room mate. i'm so blessed and grateful to God for allowing me to stay there even for just a short season. :')