Take a look at these verses:
23 They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they praised God because of me.
Let's chew on these two verses for a few minutes. The man who formerly persecuted us - that man - he is now a believer.
Can people really change? Can you teach an old dog new tricks? The quick, human answer is "not really. People can't change."
But that takes God out of the equation. And God is very interested in changing us!
And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. - Philippians 1:6
God will continue his work in us until it is finally finished! God longs to bless us, and he longs that we serve him with a whole heart.
Paul was out to kill Christians. He had what he thought was truth and justice on his side. But then, God intervened.
How does God want to change us? What sinful bent does he want to break? Is it gossip? Is it envy? Those are two big ones for me. God wants to use my life for good. And he will continue that work if I am willing to let him in.
Lord, I want to be like Paul. Help me to give my sin to you, and to trust that only you can change my heart. Amen.
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