Daily Devotional for Wednesday, December 4

Paul Was chosen by God

"But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood;' Galatians 1:15,16.

People all over the world have written books, given speeches and taught classes on finding what your purpose is in life. There are even personality tests that will tell you what career will give you the most fulfillment. Whether or not they believe in God, it is clear that people are searching for meaning and purpose. You may hear, "What is God calling you to do?" in aBible study or church service. Some of you have felt that the Lord is directing you into aspecific ministry. As believers, we should definitely be in prayer to let the Lord direct our steps and give us the opportunities to serve Him and share the gospel. We should listen to the Holy Spirit and grow in wisdom as we study the Word.

It has already been established in Galatians 1:1 that Paul was called to bean apostle by God Himself. In verses 15 and 16, we gain further insight. Paul wrote in verse 15 that God ordained him from before he was born. When he wrote, "Separated me from my mother's womb," he was saying that God set him apart and chose him as a vessel to share the gospel even from inside his mother's womb. Does this take away free will? Heaven forbid. Every person who has ever been chosen or called must still submit to the will of the Father of their own accord. God knew that Paul was going to persecute the believers, and He still, in Hisgrace, called Paul to preach to the Gentiles. By submitting to the will of the Father, Paul was able to be apart of bringing the Gentiles to salvation.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Pray that God will reveal how you can serve Him today.

May you be sensitive to the Holy Spirit as He guides your steps.

Ashley Ridings