When it comes to the will of God, I find three things perfectly clear. The first: Romans 8:29: “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son.” God will use everything in our lives to move us closer to His goal to make us like Jesus.
The second thing I know is something my former Pastor used to say all the time: it is easier to turn a moving ship than one docked in the harbor. God will not spurn a willing heart, and even failures will not prevent you from His good and pleasing will if there is sincere repentance and a desire to be used of Him.
The third thing I know is: The enemy of your soul hates it when you’re moving with God. The enemy of the Gospel will use every trick in the book to stop you, to discourage you, to get you to sit down and quit trying. He’ll even use people who love you to remind you of your failures.
Paul never forgot that he persecuted the church. Listen to his words: “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.” [1 Tim 1:12-16]
He never forgot his failures . . . but he never let his failures stop him. Yes, he was a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man, and considered himself not just a sinner but also the “chief” of all sinners. Yet God called him, showered mercy upon him, and used him in ministry.
Is there sin in your past? Repent and receive mercy. Have you ventured out for God before and failed? Don’t forget that, but don’t let that failure stop you now. Let Paul’s pattern be yours. Remember what you formerly were, but let God enable you to be conformed to the image of His dear son, a willing heart moving with Him in the furtherance of His kingdom. Then you will be able to cry out with Paul: “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” [1 Tim 1:17]
