180 Degrees Anyone?! ♡♡♡

 

"When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were afraid of him, not believing  that  he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus" -  Acts 9:26-27

Hubby and I reflected on this portion of scripture earlier in the week. We thought about the amazing conversion story of the Apostle Paul. It's quite amusing that although Paul had been converted, the other disciples were finding it really hard to believe that Paul had truly become a disciple of Jesus Christ. Scripture says "they were afraid". I believe rightly so, considering the kind of reputation Paul had previously.

"This man?!! No, not this one. How can he possibly change?' He probably has something up his sleeves" - I mean this man was a murderer, persecuted Christians, blasphemed the name of Christ. Approved of the stoning of an innocent man named Stephen. Scriptures says that the men who had brought charges against Stephen put thier coat at the feet of Saul - Acts 7:54 - 8:2

Here  is what Paul himself writes to Timothy about his conversion story....

"I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him, even though I used to blaspheme the name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted his people. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief. Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus. This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" - and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they too, can believe in him and receive eternal life" - 1 Timothy 1:12-16

"And I am the worst of them all" || "So that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners' - Dang I felt that!!!  - I can only imagine what Saul was up against when he eventually came face to face with his own depravity. That is a real thing yo. Paul admits that God was stupendously generous, merciful and gracious to him. It had to be God who did that for sure, otherwise Saul would have perished in his own sins. God stretches out his arms everyday to find men and women just like Saul. It really doesn't matter how far away you are from God. Are you willing to make a 180? God is willing to help you change, no matter what terrible things you've done in your life. So that you can help others change. So that many others can believe that they too can change.

If Saul can change, then anybody can change. You can change too!!!!!

Isn't that some incredible great news. 180 degrees?

Love

SR