It All Begins with God

Scripture – Galatians 1:15-17: ¹⁵But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased ¹⁶to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man, ¹⁷nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus.

Reflection: – These opening verses in Galatians serve as part of Paul’s spiritual autobiography. His story begins with God. That’s always the starting point. Our faith does not come from ourselves. Our hope does not come from within us.

It all begins with God who “set me apart from birth.” Each one of us has been created uniquely by God. We are each loved and valued by Him. We are created with a unique purpose in mind.

At some point the grace of God broke into Paul’s life. It was not based on anything he had done. It was/is based totally on who God is and how much He loves you and me. So by His grace God revealed His Son to Paul.

Then, by his grace, God called him to preach the good news of Christ to the Gentiles (the non-Jewish people). This was God[s purpose and plan for Paul.

How do you experience the grace and love of God in your life? What unique purpose do you think God has for you?