Sometimes I get on Biblegateway.com and read their daily reading plan. I did this the other day and came across Galations Chapter 1. I read it, and the last line caught my breath in my throat.
Galatians Chapter 1, verses 20-24, emphasis mine.
I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie. Later I went to Syria and Cilicia. I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only heard the report: "The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy." And they praised God because of me.
Talk about a wake up call.
Evaluate with me for a moment. Paul has what many of us would deem the "ultimate testimony". Formerly Saul, a Jesus and Christian hater, is now Paul, apostle of the year and crusader for Christ. Some of us see that and think our lives could never mean that much, could never have that kind of an impact.
Some of us are wrong.
Every Christian has the chance to make a difference. Not everyone is going to change the world literally. But many can change the world by changing one. What we do in our daily lives has an effect on the people around us. Our grumpiness in Walmart could very likely put someone else in a bad mood. But our smile and genuine attention to the cashier could bless her day in a way like no other - could lead her to praise God for one sweet customer in a line of grumpy-gusses.
We might not be preaching regularly to thousands, like the apostles. We might not be performing tangible miracles and have our names whispered in the streets. But we are just as capable of being used for God in other, just as meaningful ways, if we simple rustle up the desire to be.
"And they praised God because of me".
What a compliment. Could your life ever be used for anything greater???
Ask God to use you today. And live your life in a way that will make others praise Him because of you - your actions, your heart, your motivations. That's what I want for my writing. I want others to praise God from reading my novels. To be led to Him, to be shown the path to eternal life.
I'm not Paul. I'm just Betsy.
But never doubt God's power in our lives.
Praise Him today!
2 comments:
I love this, Betsy! Thank you for pointing out that one little phrase that puts life in a proper perspective.
Guess what, I'm praising God because you shared this truth from His word!
OooK, I guess I'll be nice at WalMart today...
WHat a GREAT post! Being "just Betsy" is fabulous. It's amazing how God has equipped us to do what He's called us to do, not what He's called someone else to do.
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