HOW GOOD IT IS TO KNOW THAT YOU ARE SPECIAL TO GOD!

SCRIPTURE:
My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive 
words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your 
faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.
(1 Corinthians 2:4-5)

MEDITATION:
Paul was a unique servant of the Lord.
Before He was converted to Christianity, 
he was a tormentor to those who believed in Jesus as their Savior.

In fact, when one of God’s chosen apostles (Stephen) was being stoned 
to death, Paul was there giving his approval and guarding the clothes of 
those throwing the stones (apparently they removed some of their outer 
garments so they could throw the stones harder).

It seems that Paul never forgot this incident from his ‘dark side’ of life, 
but he did not allow it to create a debilitating guilt 
that would prevent him from serving the Lord after he had been converted.
And when the blood of your martyr Stephen was shed, I stood there giving 
my approval and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him. 
(Acts 22:20)
However, it does show the sensitivity of Paul regarding the impact his
words and actions could have on others.

Another thing we discover about Paul is feelings of inadequacy.
He did not feel that he was a wise and eloquent speaker.
Even though he was a dynamic and impactful servant of the Lord, 
he recognized that his ministry was a result of the Holy Spirit 
giving him the wisdom of what to say and how to say it.

To Paul, the fact that his ministry was effective 
should be a demonstration to others that all he did 
was a result of the power of the Holy Spirit working through him.
Paul felt this was perfect, because others would not place their faith in him, 
or on anyone else who could speak eloquently with human wisdom, 
but on God Who had the power to save.

God has given man the ability to gain knowledge and wisdom.
However, even one person with the greatest amount of knowledge and 
wisdom can only comprehend a small fraction of the Lord and His actions.
There are many things about God that remain a mystery to man.
A “mystery” in scripture is a previously hidden truth that is divinely 
revealed, but still has a supernatural element that is unknown in spite
of the revelation.

For instance, we do not understand the intricate pattern of the stars 
and their courses, but we know they exist and we know 
that the One Who created them knows their purpose and direction. 
Just as surely as He guides them, He is charting a safe course for us. 

Our inability to comprehend fully the mysteries of God 
does not in any way curtail the Christian faith. 
On the contrary, it enhances our belief.
We don’t have to understand everything to know that God exists. 

ACTION:
Just as God created Paul for a specific purpose, 
He has created you for one as well.
Some people tell you to be the best you can be, but it would be better 
if they encouraged you to be the best you were designed to be.

Stop and think about why God created you and then strive to be 
the best you can be for Him, and not for yourself, or for anyone else.
Just like Paul, you are important to God, 
so show Him that He is important to you.
When you step into eternity, wouldn’t you really like to hear Him 
say to you, “Well done, good and faithful servant”?

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for showing me in Your Word that no 
matter how misguided or evil a person has become, You still created 
them for a specific purpose. This assures me that You have created me 
for your purpose as well. Help me to identify why You created me and 
to understand what I need to do to fulfill Your purpose for me. Teach 
me to look forward to how You will use me and not back at how I have 
failed in so many ways. Don’t allow me to be controlled by the guilt of 
my past, but show me how to welcome the power and direction of the 
Holy Spirit into my life. Forgive me for living my life as I please, instead 
of striving to live it in a way that pleases You so that I may hear You say 
to me, “Well done good and faithful servant”. I look forward to how you 
will show me how to have a new purpose in life and how the Holy Spirit 
will assist me.”