Paul continued his testimony by emphasizing his calling in ministry. Through God's revelation, Ananias shared God's calling in Paul's life: "The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. You will be his witness to all people of what you have seen and heard." After this event, he went to Jerusalem and prayed in the temple. While in the temple, God spoke to him through a vision to leave Jerusalem immediately because the people there would not accept his testimony. Paul was concerned that the people knew what he had done, how he persecuted Christians and put many of them in prison, and even he approved the killing of Stephen. However, God told Paul that He was sending him far away to the Gentiles (Acts 14-21).
God not only saved Paul from his sin, but he also called him to be a witness to the Gentiles, which was why he went on three missionary journeys. God called him to minister to the Gentile places. Paul's calling in life was not easy. Traveling alone was difficult, and the persecution, such as imprisonment and beating, could have led him to despair and doubt. However, he knew the reason why he lived on this earth. He said this in Philippians 1:21, "For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better." The reason dying for him is better because that is when he will be with God forever in Heaven. God saved us from our sins is not meant to live for ourselves or do whatever we want in this world. God saved us to live for Him. God called all of us to be His witness so others may know our Lord Jesus.
Let us not forget the reason God saved us from our sins. He saved us so that we may live for Him and be His witnesses in this world. Our permanent home is in Heaven and not in this world. Let us live for God today wherever we may be today. Let us be His witnesses, being kind to others and sharing God's love and truth.
Ask yourself these questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully and meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speaks to you). What is the reason God saved me? What does it mean to live for God? Am I willing to live for God?
Write down all the worries you face today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, you saved me so I may live for you. Please help me completely surrender my life to you and be willing to do whatever you ask of me. You love me, and you know what is best for me. Please help me to let go of trying to control my life. I surrender my life to you today. In your name Jesus, I pray. Amen.
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