But When God.... { Day 240 }

“But when He who set me apart before I was born and called me by His grace was pleased to reveal Himself to me that I might…” ~Galatians 1:15

I’m parked right here with this verse because three words have captivated me…But when He.  These words are extremely powerful and I think about them in my own life.  

 

In this verse Paul states what God’s grace did for him…what He does for me.

1.     He was set apart.  I was set apart before I was born.

2.    He was “called” by God’s grace.  I am called by God’s grace.

3.    Jesus was revealed to him.  Jesus is revealed to me.

In the notes part of my Bible for this verse it says: “set me apart before I was born…the emphasis is again on God’s initiative: Paul was not called because of anything he himself accomplished.”

  

It’s not about what our accomplishments are…how many diplomas I have…or how many initials are behind my name.  Sure those are all good but God does not look at the things we look at…He looks at the heart.  He chooses us for our hearts and our obedience and it’s up to us to take the next step in faith.

 

If we just take a look at the people God handpicked to use for His works…we know that it isn’t about accomplishments.  

2 Timothy 1:9 says that God’s calling is by grace not according to our work.

If I think for a moment that it’s about my accomplishments in my life…then that nullifies what Jesus did on the cross.  I don’t have to climb the ladder to get to God because He comes down to me.  Jesus saved my life and He didn’t do it because I followed a set of rules.  No…I’m a mess and definitely have broken a lot of rules in my life.  No- He did it because He loves me.  The Cross is enough!  I don’t have to try harder.  I don’t have to do more.  I don’t have to be better.  Nope…I just have to TRUST and have FAITH in Jesus.

  

“Jesus is our ladder.  We don’t have to climb up because He comes down to us.”
 ~Ann Voskamp

But When God....

set me apart before I was born and called me by His grace…ME…the messed up me…the rule breaker me…the do it all on my own ME…when He set me apart and revealed His son Jesus to me---so that I can be formed into the image of His son and show others Jesus through me.  That is a BUT WHEN GOD moment.

God says, “Behold…I am doing a new thing!”

Yes…God does not look at the things we look at.  He looks at the heart.  Where is your heart?  <Speaking to myself>

But When God said to me, “Michelle it’s not about your past it’s about your willingness. I want to use you because of your obedience and because of your heart.  Trust me to go with you and finish the work I have started in you.  Trust me to develop you.  I have chosen you.”

  

“The Christian life is always, always on-the-job training.” ~Christine Caine

God has me where I am for a reason…He has always had a hand in my life.  He is working in me...shaping my heart and preparing me for the work He wants me to do. My job is to walk humbly, be obedient and carry it out. 

 

“God requires our obedience before our understanding.” ~Christine Caine

But When God…