Day 28: 40 Days in the Word: From Brokenness to Purpose

 It’s easy to believe our past disqualifies us from being used by God. But what if the very things we regret most are the very places where His grace shines brightest?

And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.  This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.  However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.  Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:12-17

The apostle Paul talks here of his thankfulness to our Lord in the way He showed mercy on him and was able to use him for the kingdom. He talks about his former self as a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent.  Sound a lot different than how we may have lived our lives before we accepted Christ?  Paul says that Christ came into the world to save sinners, and he talks about how Christ was able to use him (Paul) as an example to bring more people to believe in Jesus Christ for eternal life.  Wow, Paul has definitely been used to bring others to belief in Jesus! The message for us is that the grace and love that flows from our Savior to us who believe changes us so that we too may be an example to bring others to belief in Christ.  No matter how badly we may have sinned or messed things up (we may think), if we put our hope and trust in the Lord, he not only gives us salvation and eternal life, but He can use us to bring others to this gift as well. That’s definitely purpose in life – no matter who we are.

How might God use your past—both your struggles and your failures—to display His grace and point others to Christ?

Prayer:  Lord, we thank You once again for all that You do for us.  We thank You that You can and do use broken people to aid You in bringing about Your purposes.  Help us to not take the honor that You have bestowed upon us to further your kingdom lightly.  For everyone who calls Jesus their Savior, they are given a mighty purpose and role in this life that will be rewarded in eternity – the role of sharing His free gift of salvation to others. Lord, help us find satisfaction and joy in this mighty work You have called us to do and have graciously entrusted to us.  We ask this in Jesus' precious name, Amen.