Dear Church,

I hope you are doing well this week. I would like to share a devotional with you based on last week’s message.

Last week in our sermon, we saw Paul fully display the power and sovereignty of God in his conversion and calling as an apostle.

“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.” (Galatians 1:15-16)

There was no human way that Paul was going to leave Judaism and the slavery to the law he had fallen under. Only a supernatural act of the Living God could bring him out of his old life of sin and make him a new creation and an apostle of Christ. This is true of Paul and it is also true for each one of us. Every conversion to Christ is a sovereign work of God.  

It is so important to let these truths about who God is and what he has done permeate our hearts. How blessed is our God who has set us apart before we were born and who called us by his amazing grace and revealed Christ to us! God owed us nothing but judgment, but in his mercy, he chose us to be his own. Jesus says, “you did not choose me I chose you” (John 15:16a). This is an amazing reality. What is even more amazing is that not only did he choose us and save us but, now he uses us as his chosen instruments to walk in the good works he has prepared for us. This is why Jesus says he chose us and “appointed us so that we might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last” (John 15:16b).

When we are gripped by this reality it leads us to live lives of thanksgiving and purpose. The depths of the work of God in our salvation and the grace we have received in Christ should silence all grumbling and murmuring of our hearts. How could a people who have been shown such grace still murmur? Instead, thanksgiving and praise ought to flow from our lives. This sovereign act of God should lead us to action. Our salvation does not end with us. Instead God wants us to produce fruit. Paul was sent out and so are we. What does this look like for you this week? Maybe it is a conversation where God gives you an opportunity to share your faith. It might mean taking time out of your day to help someone you know is in need. It means being faithful in the simple task of work or raising a family. There are so many ways God can use you. May we be a thankful people ready to do his will this week because of all the mercy and the grace God our Father has shown us in Christ.

May God bless you in your walk with Christ this week.

Phil. 4:7 – “[May] the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, … guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
 
In Christ, 
Taylor Ewert