Stay on Track! Paul's Letter to the GalatiansSample

Called by God

“But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles…” (Galatians 1:15-16).

Paul has become well-known as one of the greatest evangelists ever, but that was not his idea. Initially, he had a very different career in mind; he did not believe in Jesus and tried to destroy the church of God (Galatians 1:13). He was “breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord” (Acts 9:1). But as we read yesterday, an encounter with the risen Christ changed everything.

Looking back, Paul recognizes that the Lord had set him apart before he was ever born. Paul’s career as a missionary was God’s plan, and God made it happen. While not all Christians are called to serve as missionaries or evangelists full-time, God has a plan for every believer. That may be something we didn’t expect, as it was for Paul or something that fits us more naturally. There are many different roles and tasks within the church (see 1 Corinthians 12:28-31, Ephesians 4:11-12), which match the unique gifts that people have and their calling from God.

Are you willing to obey when God calls you to a task in his Kingdom?