TUESDAY February 13, 2024

An Appearing for a Purpose

“So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you.’ ”
Acts 26:15-16

In response to the blinding light and the voice heard, Saul asked this question, “Who are you Lord?” The Lord conveyed His plan to Saul, “I have appeared to you, to reveal your life’s purpose.” Out of all the people in the world, the Lord had called and chosen Saul, now known as Paul, to become a minister and witness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Now think about this. None of us are any different from Paul. Out of all the millions of people in this world, God has chosen you! He desires to use your life for His purposes! When I read of his conversion, it causes me to reflect on my own calling. I cannot help but thank God for this once-in-a- lifetime opportunity––to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I could have lived a completely different kind of life––spiritually lost. But thanks be to God who called me. We all have so much to be thankful for.

We are no longer living the sinful lifestyles of our past––without God and without hope. Through the power of God’s Spirit, we live righteously, enjoying everything God is doing in our lives. As Christians, we will still have problems and trials like everyone else, but God is always with us.

Sometimes people are foolish; when they face difficulties, they wish they were not Christians. They think it might be easier back in the world. Be careful. You do not really want to go back to the world where there is no hope of eternal life. Listen to the wisdom of Jesus’ disciple Peter in a time when other believers had decided to turn back from following the Lord:

“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (John 6:68-69).

Despite trials, stay committed to Christ. He has a purpose and plan for your life. In the end, you have the promise of eternal life.

Everything that God brings into our life is directed to one purpose: that we might be conformed to the image of Christ.
~Erwin W. Lutzer~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!