Who me?...Yes You

Who me…Yes You

Paul was something else. Like a lot of people who get caught up in their own righteousness, Paul thought he was doing God’s will. The new movement that was founded on the teachings of a man called Jesus was in Paul’s mind taking away from what was right and just. Paul was known for persecuting Christians; he publicly despised the teachings of Christ. Paul was his own man; he had a good job, was respected by some, and he was feared by many. The way of the world was the road he followed. On the surface you would be hard pressed to  find a more unworthy vessel for bringing the gospel of Christ to the Gentiles. Do you ever feel like Paul? Do people look at you and say you are a waste, or look at you as a liability? Do you feel as if your mistakes outweigh any use God could have for you? Well my brothers and my sisters, you may feel as if you are in Paul’s shoes, but don’t stop reading, and don’t stop believing. Let’s take a look at where those shoes brought Paul, and where they will ultimately bring…you.

The road of life is very much like that road to Damascus, where Paul was stopped by Christ in the form of a bright, blinding vision. You see on that road Paul was confronted with the inescapable truth of life: if you don’t believe in the ministry, the message, and the mission of the Son of God, Jesus Christ you are not supporting the kingdom.

This vision literally blinded Paul to the ways and influences of the world he loved and wholly supported.3 things happened:

It made him rely on Jesus,

It made him forsake tradition, and

It forced him to relinquish control. 

When you and I find ourselves at that point when all of our resources, wit, and worldly influence can not fill that void that is always there, we have to ask ourselves, "Are we on that road to Damascus?" When nothing is ever enough, when we  have all the material trappings, and the social status we want, but late at night we still cry, aren't we on that road to Damascus? Well when, not if, but when, we find ourselves on that road we should take a cue from Paul and have guts! Paul was physically blinded by the truth that he had experienced, and he had to allow himself to be lead by Christ. The only way that Paul could see again was to go to Damascus, seek out a stranger who would certainly not trust him, and humble himself by asking to

be healed in Jesus' name. Understand this was not easy for Paul; here was a man who was in "control" of his life. Now he was subjected to asking someone who he saw as his inferior for help, in the name of one he previously didn’t believe in, Jesus Christ. Paul had to allow

himself to be taught. That can be a challenge for many of us… but remember beloved sometimes one has to abase in self to abound in Christ.

 When Paul accepted God’s chastisement and instruction, he was free. When he abased and asked to be healed in Jesus' name, he left the road of life, and joined the road to salvation. Like the songwriter said, "When we have done all we can--just stand." We must allow God to

transform our roads into journeys for and towards him. When we free ourselves of the enemy's lies and the judgments of the self-righteous we are broken, humbled and most of all receptive, thus we are ready for God to step in.

Now before we go on…lets be real… make no mistake this takes guts. Allowing God to lead our lives may leave us feeling lonely and misunderstood; it may even cause other Christians to

judge us harshly. These things happen, but we must not lose faith, we must look to the Word for some examples

of people who have walked this road before. 

Paul was no longer trusted by his friends and the Christians he now allied himself with, but he stood his ground. 

Jesus was reviled by many in authority, repelled by those who didn’t believe his message, and

ultimately rejected by many of those he came to save. However Jesus stood His ground. Even on the cross he said,

“Father forgive them

for they know not what they do (Luke 23:24).”

As followers and believers in Christ we must have faith and stand our ground  in the face of adversity. Acceptance of Jesus is the paramount decision that we all face…In the wake of that choice HE will give you the strength to Stand

When family doesn’t understand us, we must stand.

When friends abandon us, we must stand.

When Satan attacks us at every turn, we must know that we are making

him mad, and we must continue to Stand.

When tradition and legalism rule, and  the Word of Christ is an

afterthought, take a stand and make changes. Its not easy but Lord GOD it’s Right!!! To Stand on His Word and His Promises.

Remember the promises of the Word of God:

“Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age

(Matt. 28:20)." “All that the Father gives Me will come

to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means

cast out (John 6:37)." "And this is the will of Him who

sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in

Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up

at the last day (John 6:40)."

The word of God will never come back void. Brothers and sisters know this, GOD CANNOT

LIE!!!

He will never leave us,

He will never forsake us,

He will always love us,

and

He will always be with us.

But remember You…(Who me…Yes You)  Stand with God never leave Him, He has, He is, and He always will

Stand up for us.Lets make sure we do for and with Him

May God bless you and may God keep you.