Devotional Thought: Living and Speaking God's Message

 

"For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man's gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord's brother. (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!) Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they glorified God because of me." - Galatians 1:11-23 ESV

The message of our lives is not our own, but the revelation of God revealed through God the Son, Jesus Christ. Paul outlines his history and calling as a servant and minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Recalling his former life of rebellion that hurt the kingdom of God through active persecution of the church provides evidence of a true calling. Our testimonies can bring reinforcement to the motivations behind our efforts to declare the word of God through our lives. This includes conversion and the ongoing journey through the life of faith up to this point. Being truly devoted to our calling as a Christian is being determined to live for the Lord no matter the obstacles and hardships. In fact, the hardships provide great illustrations of how faith and obedience persevere by the power of God in Christ. Since eternal life and present devotion is only by the power of God, the true message is not man made. Man made movements often fade over time or under the fires of hardship. The power of God prevails over all things. We can continue to speak and live for the glory of God knowing that we can overcome through his provision. The key is really to continue taking more steps of obedience to openly share our faith. Let's do that today!