READING: Jeremiah 4:5-6:30, 1 Timothy 1
If I were singing aloud as I write this devotion today (I’m writing from an airport), I would be singing, “I Stand Amazed in the Presence of Jesus the Nazarene.” That’s because I’ve read 1 Timothy 1 today, and I see the incredible grace of God in calling Paul to be a preacher-missionary. Paul described himself prior to conversion with this honest assessment: “I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an arrogant man” (1 Tim 1:13)—a man who caused havoc on the Christian church (Acts 9:21). At that point, I doubt anyone would have dreamed he might ever become a Christ-follower—much less a preacher.
But . . . Jesus extended mercy to him, surrounded him by His grace, appointed him to ministry, and used him as an example of Christ’s “extraordinary patience” (1 Tim 1:16). Only God would receive the glory for that kind of transformation, for only He could do that.
I may not have been a persecutor of God’s church prior to my conversion, but I am no less unworthy of God’s calling in my life. I know my sin. I know my pride. I know my worry. I know my weakness. But . . . God allows me to do ministry in His name and for His glory.
So, I say it again: I stand amazed.
PRAYER: “God, I’m unworthy even to speak to You. Thank You for Your grace and calling.”
DAILY ACTION STEP: Regardless of what roles you play in God’s church today, thank Him for His grace.
TOMORROW’S READING: Weekend is for catch-up and review
MONDAY’S READING: Jeremiah 7-9, 1 Timothy 2-3
