By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo
1 Timothy 1:12-14 “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.”_ – NIV
Paul was a great apostle who served God with unprecedented zeal and commitment. He was a man of one mission, sold out to the gospel even under extreme circumstances bordering on life and death. But he was not deterred. He was unashamed of what he believed, sought to preach Christ at all occasions in all situations, abandoned the treasures he once boasted about. Others thought he was out of his mind, the same accusation labelled against Jesus. What explains such unrelenting energy and focus?
Paul knew how far he had come. He once blasphemed the name of Jesus, persecuted the believers violently. But now he is considered worthy and appointed to preach the same Jesus he blasphemed. Such grace and mercy blew his mind. How could God be gracious and merciful to such a wreck like me? And in addition, trusts me with His service!? Out of this understanding welled up a heart of gratitude, zeal and commitment to wholeheartedly serve the Lord. How could he let down such unspeakable love!
Some may recall where the Lord picked us from and showed us a love we least deserved and all He has done for us. In response and out of deep gratitude, we throw ourselves fully into serving God. When we truly understand God’s grace, what Jesus did to save us, the natural response is deep gratitude and undeterred commitment to live for Him and bring others to share in the same grace of God. Your mission and focus in life shifts. You live for that one thing. I pray you experience this in your life in Christ the Lord._
Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”__Philippians 3:7 “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.”_Shalom children of God.