Called Through God’s Grace.
Recently Barry and I joined the Newly Married Bible Fellowship class at our church on Sunday mornings. We aren’t exactly newly married, but because we had been through so much in our own marriage and come so far we hoped that we might be of some service to some of these newly married couples and we have also learned that there is much to be learned from them as well! We are so blessed to have our pastor teaching the class. It is so wonderful to see all these godly couples that God has brought together! Right now we are studying Living by the Book by Howard Hendricks. It is an in depth look at how to study the Bible for yourself. In last weeks lesson, Hendricks suggested sticking with an entire book of the Bible for one month and studying it thoroughly. He also suggests that you read out of different translations of the Bible because often when the same thing is presented differently we see something new. Studying one book per month in different translations would, in one year give you an intimate knowledge of twelve books of the Bible and after4 – 5 years of study you would have an astonishing level of understanding of God’s word. So, Barry and I have decided to do just that. We decided that the book we would study is Galatians. Why Galatians? I have a complete outline for writing a book on Galatians Five, but to do so, we felt called to research and know intimately all of Galatians. This will hopefully allow me to use Chapter Five, not out of context and to honor God with truthful writing. But I am afraid. I’m afraid to commit to something I don’t feel equipped to write. I am afraid that others won’t like it. I am afraid that I am biting off more than I can chew. I am afraid . But I feel called. The words I read this morning have made a huge impact on my decision to get started in earnest.
As I began to read in The Book this morning I asked God to show me something new and with fresh eyes that I could see Him more clearly; that I could grow closer to Him. I am so thankful that I prayed that prayer this morning. He so graciously answered my prayer. Let me share the scripture first and then share what is on my heart.
Galatians 1: 15 – 17 ” 15But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, was pleased 16to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood, 17nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went away to Arabia, and returned once more to Damascus.
Three things stand out to me in this sections. First Paul notes that God set Paul apart even from his mother’s womb. What does that say to me? That he has a plan for each and every one of us; that we are known from the time we are conceived. We each are ordained for the ministry where God places us and in whatever form He wants it to take. It doesn’t matter if that ministry is to preach God’s word, like Paul or teach our children to love the Lord. It doesn’t matter if He calls us to be missionaries in Africa or coach a football team in Nebraska. Wherever we are, whatever we do, God cares and He has a path for us. Second, Paul was called by grace. So are we. We can’t earn our salvation. We don’t deserve our salvation and yet God is “pleased” to give direction to our lives through his grace. I am a sinner. I fall short daily. But I am loved and I am His child. My direction in life comes as a direct result of accepting His undeserved grace. Third Paul says that when God gave him[Paul], his [God's]direction Paul did not stop to “consult with flesh and blood nor . . . go up to Jerusalem. . . but . . . went away to Arabia, and returned once more to Damascus.” Yikes. How often do I immediately pursue the things that God has laid on my heart? Often I will turn to a friend or family and say, “what do you think about…?” Or “Do you think I could/should. . .?” Ouch. I see so clearly this morning that when I turn to others for ideas and their perspective instead of listening to His Spirit inside of me, I am walking away from Him. I am taking a journey down a path that is not of His choosing. That is painful. I am a people pleaser. I don’t want to disappoint anyone. And when I do, I am miserable. And yet, why am I not as concerned with pleasing Him as pleasing others. How much pain do I cause the One who has so freely given me such grace?
Father, please allow me to hear your voice, take comfort in your grace and accept the plans that you have for me. Help me be content in those things. Lead my steps, guide my words and forgive my failures. I desire to know you more fully and to be ever faithful to your teachings. Strengthen me to do so when I am weak. Draw me close to you. I love you Lord. Amen.
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