 |
| Painting by LaDonna West |
Saul was the bad guy. In the movies, Saul would be the one wearing the black hat and riding the dark horse... er... donkey. The disciples knew about Saul, his reputation and the list of atrocities he had committed against Jesus’ followers. So, when the Lord spoke to Ananias (one of Saul’s targets) and told him to go and help Saul, you can sense the fear and concern in his voice. “Are you sure about that?” Ananias asked. But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name.” (Acts 9:15)
I know there have been times when I acted just like Ananias. “Are you sure about that God?” As if I was bringing something to His attention that He had somehow overlooked or forgotten. But of course He hasn’t. I do not see things the same way that He does. It is not my responsibility to question. Like Ananias, it is my job to obey.
What Ananias didn’t comprehend, was grace. God planned to use Saul’s past to demonstrate His amazing grace. As human’s it is not always easy for us to see that or understand it. Sometimes it seems easier to hold on to anger and judgement rather than extend forgiveness. But God does not do that, ever. If we are truly sorry for the wrong we have committed, God is faithful to forgive. Nothing we do is beyond His grace.
But, God takes it a step further than forgiveness. Saul did terrible things in opposition to Jesus, but God used Saul’s mistakes to bring others to salvation. From the pit, God chose Saul. Even before he was saved, God picked Saul and gave him the words and the ability to bring people to Jesus. God will forgive us and then use our mistakes for His glory.
There is nothing you have done that He cannot use. You may be wondering how. The how is not up to us. We are only responsible for the what. So what do we need to do?
Confess our mistakes and ask for forgiveness.
Receive and believe in His forgiveness.
Obey His next steps.
Trust that He will be with you through it all. He did not bring you this far to leave you now.
Thank you God for teaching me about Your character. It is comforting to know that the mistakes I make are not final. Thank you for turning my sins into something beautiful that brings You glory. In Jesus name, Amen.
 |
| Visit Lynnette's Blog |
