But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased
Galatians 1:15 NIV
Paul’s testimony in Galatians 1 may come as a surprise to some. He speaks about how God set him apart from birth and called him by grace. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul acknowledges God’s divine plan, purpose, and grace in choosing him. In Galatians 1:13, Paul describes how he persecuted the Church of God and tried to destroy it. He explains further, in verse 14, that he was advancing in Judaism beyond many of his peers and was extremely zealous for the Jewish traditions. Despite living in such a way, Paul had God’s election upon his life. Even when he was unaware of God’s purpose for him, and lived contrary to it, God’s plan remained unchanged.
Paul acknowledges that his election was not due to his actions in Judaism or because he was deserving. On the contrary, God had chosen him for a purpose and plan that had already been set. However, Paul (then known as Saul) was living in ignorance of God’s plan, walking contrary to it.
God had chosen Paul from his mother’s womb to use him for His glory. He planned for Paul to become a vessel of honour. He was to reach the Gentiles with the gospel of Jesus. Yet, due to his ignorance, Paul was working against God’s purpose for his life.
Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations: Before I was born the Lord called me; from my mother’s womb he has spoken my name. He made my mouth like a sharpened sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in his quiver. He said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will display my splendor.”
Isaiah 49:1-3 NIV
Dearly beloved, I invite you to reflect on the divine wisdom of God. It does not matter how you are living at the moment. You may not currently be aligned with God’s plan and purpose for your life, but this does not change the fact that God has a specific purpose for you to achieve.
Just as God had an intention for Paul, He has a purpose for you too. When Saul encountered God, God changed his name to Paul and gave him a fresh start to enter into the plan He originally had for him. Imagine the endless possibilities if you also align with God’s purpose. Paul was actively working against God, yet God reached out to him.
Perhaps you are not actively seeking to destroy the church as Saul did, but are you living for the purpose and plan that God has for you? Are you walking on the path that God has charted for you, or are you busy living for yourself, doing the things you want?
God’s plan and purpose stand firm. He wants to display His splendour in you. If you are willing to be used by God, He will bring His promises to pass. I encourage you to seek the plan and purpose of God for your life. God’s purpose for our lives is not something we stumble upon; it is intentional. When we cooperate with Him, we walk right into His plan.
In conclusion, embracing God’s purpose brings fulfilment and joy. Let us pursue God’s work and live for the purpose for which He created us, for His plans are far more glorious than our own.
