Galatians 1:11-24

Galatians 1:11-24
¹¹ I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. ¹² I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.

Yesterday I mentioned ambassadors and today we see the source of Paul's message, Jesus Christ himself.

¹³ For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. ¹⁴ I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. ¹⁵ But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased ¹⁶ to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being. ¹⁷ I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus.
¹⁸ Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days. ¹⁹ I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother. ²⁰ I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie.

I have a past that I am not proud of.  By God's grace I have been forgiven I am moving forward with my new life.  God chose me like He did Paul.  God knew everything I'd ever do and he chose me.  There is no, "Oops, I did not see that coming." with God.  There is no plan B.  God does not will us to sin, but He knows we will and He will use it for our good and for His plan on our lives.

Also note that Paul followed God not seeking man's approval.  We too need to follow God even if we lose the approval of men.  This does not mean we ignore the counsel of Godly leaders.  However when we know the direction God is leading there may come a time when we need to follow Him even when others disagree.

²¹ Then I went to Syria and Cilicia. ²² I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. ²³ They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” ²⁴ And they praised God because of me.

It's a wonderful thing when people see the changes and they can praise God for it. A woman who has known me since I was 16 approached me this spring and said, "I've seen the changes in you and humility looks good on you.".  I was humbled once more that the changes he has done in my life were already significant enough to be seen.  None of it is of me and I have a long way to go. I am able to say thank you Holy Spirit for working in me.

God Bless.