Who Do You Consult?
But when God, who set me apart from my
mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me
so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to
consult any human being.
– Galatians 1:15-16
We like to seek advice. We want to know what our tribe
thinks. We want to consult was our spouses and families and very best friends.
We seek everyone’s advice except, of course, for the One who knows exactly what
we should do.
How many of you are making excuses right now? Are you
insisting that you’re just trying to make sure you heard God right? How many of
you are reminding me that the Bible says sometimes we need to consult with
Christian advisors?
I have a question for you. How many times do you consult
with others because you really just don’t want to do what God has called you to
do?
Paul’s life was unfolding as planned. He was raised to
be a leader in his Jewish faith. He’d studied under the great Rabbi Gamaliel. He
worked to condemn the early Christian church. He was there when Stephen was
stoned to death.
But then Jesus happened to Paul. This man who
condemned Jesus and His followers suddenly came face to face with Jesus Himself
and Paul was never the same.
Isn’t that how it is for us? We are ambling along in
our lives, making decisions and doing what we please, when Jesus grabs hold of
us. We are never the same. Our lives pivot and we are changed from within to be
the person He has called us to be.
Paul had no need to consult with anyone else about
what he had seen and heard. He understood his mission. He would not be
deterred.
It’s not like Paul’s life suddenly became easy. In fact,
it was just the opposite. Paul’s life became hard, filled with physical suffering
and rejection. He never wavered. Oh, how I wish we could all have faith that
deep!
Have you ever considered what Paul gave up to follow
Christ? He likely would have lived a cushy life filled with perks and respect.
He would have lived in a real home, rather than traveling constantly so that he
could be rejected and beaten.
But look at what Paul gained. He had Jesus by his side
every step of every day. He met wonderful people. He lived miracles. So very
many people came to know Jesus as Lord and Savior because of Paul. Even today, we
read and study his words that make up much of the New Testament.
Paul’s life is evidence of what can happen when we go boldly
forth to what God has called us to do. Paul didn’t need to consult with his
friends. They would likely have told him he was crazy to follow Jesus. Paul
might have convinced himself to stay on the path he’d been on before.
What has God called you to do? What are you waiting
for? You have no need to consult others. True wisdom comes from God. If you
have doubts, ask Him to clarify things for you. The Bible clearly tells us that
God will provide wisdom to all who ask.
But, then, you must step forward in faith. Live your
calling boldly. Trust Him to show you the way.
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