Been there, Done that
Have you ever done something in a way where you are convinced, even adamant, that your way is the right way, only to find out later that you were wrong? Dead wrong?
The Apostle Paul was just such a man. He was raised to be a leader among men, taught by the best teachers. He knew the Law and the Prophets better than most. When Christianity appeared on the scene he was convinced that it was perversion of all that he knew and held to be true. Only when confronted by Christ Jesus himself on the road to Damascus did he recognize the depth and breath of his error. His enthusiasm and zeal for what he thought was right had actually been working against the very thing he’d been working for, hoping for, and longing for his entire life. So, when Paul penned his letter to the Roman Christians, he knew that he’d been there, done that.
I know what enthusiasm they have for God, but it is misdirected zeal. For they don’t understand God’s way of making people right with himself. Instead, they are clinging to their own way of getting right with God by trying to keep the law. They won’t go along with God’s way. – Romans 10:2-3
Eventually, as we know, Paul did go along with God’s way. He listened to the Good News.
Yet faith comes from listening to this message of good news—the Good News about Christ. – Romans 10:17
God can use anything from our past to help someone else, even ourselves. But we need to let him.
Lord, thank you that Paul did listen. Help me to look for ways to encourage others with the lessons that you’ve taught me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Don’t go there, don’t do that, Jan
My Journey in God's Word 