From Top Pharisee Who Murdered Christians to Servant

A journey of divine metamorphosis

"Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God (Romans 1:1 (NIV)…"

SERVANT

In a way, the book of Romans serves as the climax of Paul’s journey— the finish line to a new race he’ll experience with God forever. He has reached the “ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). His introduction to the book of Romans as a ‘servant’ shows how the previous trials and tribulations shaped his identity.

Some of these former trials include:

• Imprisonments

• Beatings and physical abuse

• Shipwrecks and dangerous travels

• Persecution and rejection

• Verbal attacks and false accusations

• Hardships and deprivation

• Mental and emotional trials

• A "thorn in the flesh"

• Arrests and trials before authorities

• Martyrdom

Paul’s character was divinely prepared to confront the pride and selfishness of Rome. Rome, the most powerful city in the world, was often considered the "end of the earth."

I can almost guarantee with my life that if God showed Paul the journey he needed to go on to get to Rome, Paul would have opted to continue his pathetic life as a Christian killer or literally any other calling.

But GOD…

What if I were to tell you that God has a similar kind of climax planned for your life? It may not be martyrdom—especially if you live in the U.S.—but for those in other parts of the world, martyrdom could be a potential culmination of their story.

But no matter where you are, along the way, the power of the gospel can powerfully shine through you, just as it did through Paul.

Remain obedient. You will stand before Kings! Every setback, trial, and hardship will be used. Being a servant in the Kingdom of God makes you a King amidst thrones, leader amidst followers, friend amidst enemies, family amidst orphans, and Light in the darkness.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28 NIV).”

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Never Finished Challenge:

Worry about today—not tomorrow, not yesterday, but today.

I love St. Augustine's (correction: Augustine's) challenge when he says, “Trust the past to God's mercy, the present to His love, and the future to His providence.”

Corrie Ten Boom reminds us, “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength.”

God is molding you. Be patient, and ask Him for the strength to focus on today—strength to pursue Him zealously in His Word, to walk in obedience to everything you read, and to love others well.

I love the picture of a butterfly's metamorphosis. A butterfly does not try to return to the cocoon or want to crawl across a branch for safety. Though predators lurk around every corner, the butterfly effortlessly glides through nature.

You are an incredibly unique butterfly. Stop trying to go back into the cocoon. Even if you do, the danger will still be there. Keep growing in Christ every day. The darkness cannot overtake or hide from your light.

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What does this say about God?

Goodness… God seemed super busy weaving an unimaginable life for Paul… He is doing the same with me and is not too busy or annoyed. He loves me and wants to transform me. The Creator of the universe desires to work intimately and intentionally in my life. Wow… Thank you, Jesus.