But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls. ( Hebrews 10:39 ESV)
As I study the epistles I am always so amazed at Paul. Here he was, the one who persecuted Christians. He was of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Pharisee educated at the feet of Gamaliel, who was one of the most noted rabbis in history. You might think that someone so strong in their reasoning, so entrenched in a certain way of life, so fully committed to and convinced of a cause would be unreachable. But God had a different plan for Paul.
As Paul marched down the road to Damascus, in zealous pursuit of the Christians, he had a profound experience. Jesus Himself appeared before him as a light from heaven, forcing Paul to his knees. This personal experience of Jesus Christ effected a 100% conversion for Paul. In that moment he believed, and he went from persecutor to disciple. It says that after this experience he immediately starting preaching Christ! There was no wavering, no human reasoning, wondering if what he was doing was right. He had experienced Christ and had a completely new focus in life. His mission now was to bear Jesus name to the Gentiles, as well as before kings and the children of Israel. (Acts 9)
From that time forward he preached Jesus Christ. He never quit, backed up, or shut up. His whole heart’s desire was to get to know Him Personally– Christ had become everything for him! Remember what he said in Philippians 1:21 “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
I guess what I am trying to say today, is that God wants to do the same for all of us. He wants us to humble ourselves and allow the Holy Spirit to transform us. God revealed to Paul the way of the cross – the way of following Jesus in the life He lived, so that He could gain Christ personally. He says farther, “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection,….(Philippians 3:10)
If you have someone you are praying for, don’t quite! God can turn their lives right side up! For you today, give it all to Jesus. If you are a believer, there’s no turning back!!
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