Weakness Into Joy
“But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.” Acts 9:1-2
“But the Lord said to him (Ananias), ‘Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.'” Acts 9:15-16
How did Yahweh take someone like Saul, who was an absolute expert at persecuting Christians, change his name to Paul, and then turn him into arguably one of the greatest advocates for Christ that we know of today? It’s simple. Yahweh loves the glory when a man is taken from his worst and transformed into his best! Saul was a smart man and knew different ways and techniques to attack believers.
When he was converted, Yahweh used this brilliance to spread the Gospel. He was even well versed in the scriptures and was able to use this knowledge to challenge the modern church at the time. Yahweh took Saul (his reputation, his anger, his cunning) and everything that many may have considered weaknesses and simply changed his perspective. Saul, now Paul took this new perspective and helped build the church.
So, I ask you, what has the world told you is a weakness that Yahweh can use as a strength? Have you shifted your perspective so you can see yourself as He sees you? Was Paul perfect? Not even close, but he was very effective because he saw himself in Christ. He considered himself a new creation even as he was being matured. I would encourage you this week to look inward, change your perspective, and see what Yahweh has placed in you that can be used to spread the Gospel!