In God’s Timing (Galatians 1:13-16a)
“For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles.”
Galatians 1:13-16a
Observations
Paul recounts his testimony for the churches of Galatia. He had been a very successful persecutor of the followers of Christ. He was also one who was making great strides as Jewish leader. And yet, while he was working against God, he now acknowledges God had a different path for him. This dramatic change in Paul was a strong testimony of God’s ability to change lives. Listen to the acceptance of God for Paul, “called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me.” How encouraging is that for followers that God would be pleased to use Paul, even after he had so worked against him?
While we are all part of communities we are also individuals with our own unique stories. All of us have had God’s plan on our lives. Sometimes our story tells how we rested into God’s plan. At other times our story tells of the grace God extended to us to draw us back to him. Both stories have the power to encourage our fellow believers.
Questions for Curiosity
- Are we a community that can share our stories?
- Can we accept others’ stories as gifts of what God is doing?
- Do we remember the powerful humbling work God can do in us when we remember how much he has already done?
Further Reflection
“The Jewish people all know the way I have lived ever since I was a child, from the beginning of my life in my own country, and also in Jerusalem. 5 They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I conformed to the strictest sect of our religion, living as a Pharisee.
Acts 26:4-5
