Galatians 1

Verses 23 & 24 state, “23They only heard the report: ‘The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.’ 24And they praised God because of me.

Paul was living proof of two remarkable things. God can change you and use anyone for His will. Paul was a man who persecuted Christians, destroying them for their faith. Yet God touched him, changed him into a great leader for Christ and Christianity. The past transgressions of Paul no longer mattered; it was what he was doing for Christ that counted. Like Paul, we all have done things that we regret; things that we are ashamed of, but God is willing to forgive those sins, to wipe our slate clean with the blood of Jesus, and use us for His purpose. Isn’t God’s mercy and forgiveness great!

Also, as verse 24 shows, Paul gave us an example of how to focus on God. The people praised God for the change in Paul. Paul did not try to take the glory for the change. He didn’t say “look what I’ve become”, he gave the glory to God, as it should be. A wonderful lesson that we all can learn from.

Dear God, thank you for your mercy and forgiveness. Sweet Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross for my sins, that I may be forgiven and cleansed by Your blood. Please, Lord, help me overcome my past, to be usable by You; that people see the change in me and praise You for it.