Life's Journey

Today we are in Galatians 1:11-24 which I have shared below. Feel free to share any comments or insights with the group.

“11 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. 12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. 13 For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. 14 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. 15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, 16 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; 17 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. 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him for fifteen days. 19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother. 20 (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!) 21 Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they glorified God because of me.” Galatians 1:11-24

“The gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from any man… but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.” Galatians 1:11,12

Paul says he was set apart before he was born, to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. Yet, he was a man of high status in Judaism, who violently persecuted the church. God did not call Paul because of something he had done to please God. Instead, God extended his grace to Paul so that God would get all the glory. Jesus was revealed both to him and in him.” has a powerful testimony. While he was religious, successful, and in a powerful position, he was full of sin. He was trying to destroy the church – then he encountered God! Oh, what a beautiful testimony he has gone from darkness to light. He says in verse 24, “they glorified God because of me.” Because of his testimony, they glorified God. Some of us have amazing testimonies like Paul and others of us have ones that are simpler. Regardless of when and what was going on in your life, we all have had our trials and – and that is a part of our testimony now too. God’s glory is seen in all of our testimonies!

My reflection for the day: I am so glad that I have a testimony that Jesus came into my life and totally changed it! I love how God is active in our lives before we were born, shows His love and grace for us. It is then we are to make a choice as to what we do with Jesus. Paul’s choice has positively impacted so many and I know that we all have that ability in our lives, no matter how big or small our testimony seems to each of us! I pray that my choices have a positive impact on others’ lives.

Reflection Question: What is your testimony? Have it ready and pray for an opportunity to share it with someone.