God's Grace is For You

Persecutor. Preacher/Teacher. Author.

Paul who was once a persecutor of the disciples and followers of Christ, known then as Saul, had an encounter with Jesus and did a complete 180. (read Acts 9) Following this change, he went on to preach and teach to others about Christ.

But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me. 1 Corinthians 15:10

Even while being highly regarded for his position as an apostle, Paul swiftly points to God and His grace for who he has become. Of course, Paul is aware of the hard work that he has done and continues to do for Christ but places the spotlight on the G R A C E of God that enables him to do so. It seems that he wants people to know that without God’s grace, nothing he does is possible.

Although Paul is now a teacher filled with Godly wisdom and knowledge, he refuses to brag about his position because of his past. Our past is never meant to be a dark cloud that holds us back, but it can remind us of the love that God has for us. And because of His love, He is always working to transform us during our time on Earth to make us more and more like Him. 

Sometimes we can highlight our wins without acknowledging the times we were losing or in sin. I admire Paul for his humility and transparent approach in this scripture. He realizes how messed up his past was but he does not let his past overshadow the work that God is now doing through him. Your past sins and mistakes will never keep you from the love of God. Like Paul, we can also point others to the saving power and grace of God. This doesn't mean that you have to air out all of your mistakes to everyone, instead ask God to give you wisdom on who to share your story with. Always speak to and encourage others in a way that highlights God’s grace and mercy that is available to them and how that same grace, rather than your own abilities, has helped you. Celebrate how far you have come just keep in mind that wherever you are today, it is only by God’s grace!

In your victory over whatever struggle you came out of or are coming out of, realize that it’s God’s grace that allowed you to be where you are.