Regret

Galatians 1:13-24

I'm sure that you've heard the story of my earlier life when I lived in the Jewish way.

In those days I went all out in persecuting God's church.

I was systematically destroying it. I was so enthusiastic about the traditions of my ancestors that I advanced head and shoulders above my peers in my career.

Even then God had designs on me. Why, when I was still in my mother's womb he chose and called me out of sheer generosity! Now he has intervened and revealed his Son to me so that I might joyfully tell non-Jews about him.

Immediately after my calling—without consulting anyone around me and without going up to Jerusalem to confer with those who were apostles long before I was—I got away to Arabia.

Later I returned to Damascus, but it was three years before I went up to Jerusalem to compare stories with Peter. I was there only fifteen days—but what days they were! Except for our Master's brother James, I saw no other apostles. (I'm telling you the absolute truth in this.)

Then I began my ministry in the regions of Syria and Cilicia. After all that time and activity I was still unknown by face among the Christian churches in Judea.

There was only this report: "That man who once persecuted us is now preaching the very message he used to try to destroy."

Their response was to recognize and worship God because of me!

Everybody has a past. Everybody has something they regret.

Paul has more than most folks. He "systematically" persecuted the church. He was responsible for death and mahem among the early followers of Jesus.

He killed in the name of God.

How could he ever overcome that kind of past?

Honestly, I'm not convinced that he ever overcame the guilt. He certainly always had regrets.

But he also witnessed God putting his past actions and reputation to use in the Kingdom.

Because of the incredible story of his own transformation, the followers of Jesus could believe more than ever in the power of God. If Saul could become Paul, then anything really was possible in Jesus Christ.

What do you regret?

Is it possible that God could actually turn those regrets into the biggest places of transformation in your life and the lives of others?

Of course it is.

Grace & Peace,

Adam