God created Paul, He KNEW who Paul was, and He knew that the very passion and zeal Paul had as a 'religious Jew', would be the same passion he would bring to the spreading of the gospel, when he discovered the truth and his life was changed forever on the road to Damascus...
Then I thought of John, the disciple that Jesus called 'the beloved disciple', and how different his temperament was, and how Jesus loved him and trusted him, even enough to care for his own mother as he went to the cross.
Then there was Peter... boldly and quickly popping off, reaching for his sword to cut off the soldier's ear as he staunchly defended Jesus... only to cower a short time later as he denied the same Saviour.
And the list goes on and on...
David, a man after God's own heart, and yet a fallen sinner who totally repented and went on to great things for the kingdom...
I relate to these men and women in the Bible... they are you and they are me...
God uses all of us, fallen and sinful though He knows we are... He changes us, He uses everything in our lives to 'work together for good, His good... so we will be used for His purposes.
Each of us different, in personality and temperament...yet all created by the same Saviour, who made those unique traits.
Do you relate to these Biblical men and women of faith? Do you recognize yourself in any of them?
Much alike in so many ways, yet different... but all by His design, for His purposes. It takes life from 'no hope because of who we are NOT, to everything is possible BECAUSE OF WHO HE IS'...
15 comments:
It is so very comforting to know how valuable we each are in God's kingdom. He uses the strangest of people in the strangest of ways (I'm strange, living proof of that!).
I love Deborah and Ruth, and the woeful Jeremiah ...
Kathleen
Very nice thoughts, what brought me to Jesus was that I knew I could not change myself, but that Jesus could. I am so glad that we have the record of changed lives. All of those men changed dramatically after a visit from the Holy Spirit in the New Testament and visitation in David's case. I can't think of a sadder place that to be someone like Saul, who had the Holy Spirit on him and then to have it taken away.
I am so thankful that we live now and with the Holy Spirit in our lives we can be changed, just like Paul. :)
You always make me think of things I might not have thought before.
Thank you
Sonja-
Thank you for such a thoughtful post.
And how thankful we are for a unique Saviour who loved each of us uniquely for his own purpose. Blessing to you today - Marsha
I love this! Yes, He created each one of us to be unique and ...useful for His purposes. Instead of wishing to be like someone else, we should be obedient with the gifts He has given to us. What a gentle reminder Sonja.
Love you,
Debbie
there are times when I feel like such a failure and then I look at Peter and realize that even as close as he was to Jesus, he still failed just like me! I love this post my precious friend. You always give me some meat to chew on!
Often I have identified with Peter. I heard a preacher preach on Peter one time...the title of his message was "Mr. Mess Up"! Yep! Many times you could title me "Miss Mess Up!"
I so relate, so I go back to read and read. The truth is becoming very strong to me that it is He who changes me! He is the one who does the work in me...I can't do it or He wouldn't have come to save us. Paul didn't ask, God meet him and changed him...Praise the Lord! Even in all my weaknesses He still works.
Dear Sonja,
Yes, it wonderful that God, through his words have shown us, that everybody can be used.
I once heard a wonderful speech about Andrew(my uncle actually, 45 years ago).
He's not credited for doing much, but what little he did
meant a lot.
In John 1: 40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. 41 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus.
Andrew brought Peter to Jesus.
In John 6:5 When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” 6 He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.
7 Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wages[a] to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!”
8 Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, 9 “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”
Andrew had the guts to bring the little amount of food to Jesus, and that resulted in a wonder comforting people all over the world.
I hope I once can bring something or someone to Jesus, that he may show his splendor and power.
I recognize my eager and stumbling spirit in Peter.
I'm so happy, that he is the one watching the pearly gate. He'll understand my flaws and my faults, and I feel confident he will open.
Gunnar and I discussed this just the other day. He didn't feel so confident. Well, I said, I'll take you by the hand and say, "He's with me".
We both laughed and knew that just might happen.
From Felisol
We are quite different, just as no two snow flakes are alike. I love that about God. He needs each one of us serving Him to complete the "body of Christ."
Great post Sonja. I love the way that God can use anyone, any personality, etc. It gives me such hope...
Andie
I think I most closely identify with Joseph. My coat has many colors, and God has been my closest friend through all the battles. I'm so glad for all the imperfections of these men. No one is perfect, but all are so loved by God.
I see myself in all of them... not so much a Peter and Paul these days, but perhaps something more along the lines of a "steady as she goes"... maybe a John. When I read words like these, I have a greater desire to see those "ancient times" in living color.
Some day, friend. Some day.
peace~elaine
I'm a well known Peter. When I read the part on the Mount of Transfiguration, I totally see myself. Just like Peter, I lack the good sense to just zip it.
Peter cracks me up half the time and inspires me the others.
Isn't it wonderful to know that God loves each and every one of us just like we are? He created us all different and we each have so much to give to the world because of Him!
I LOVE this Sonja and YES, YES, YES...I often see myself within those individuals in many ways and in others in the Word. Peter and I often discuss it.
I'm reminded of how GOD hand crafted each one of us; different and unique but all valued by GOD and important to His purposes on earth.
This is why 'comparisons' is so dangerous in the body of Christ and the enemy often uses that spirit of comparison to divide the body of Christ rather then each one of us just focusing on being all that God has purposed us to be; while encouraging one another in the faith.
I love your heart Sonja!
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