God's Chosen Instrument

Scripture:

Acts 9:15  "But the Lord said to Ananias, 'Go!  This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel'".

Observation:

Saul had been persecuting the church and traveling around taking them captive.  God encountered him in a powerful way and Saul became Paul and was blind for three days.  Ananias was told by God to pray for Saul and Ananias didn't want to because Saul was killing Christians.  God speaks up and says, "This is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name".  God calls a Christian-killer His chosen instrument.

Application:

God never looks at your past when He is determining your future.  He doesn't look at your record of rights and wrongs or your history of living a perfect life.  He can do whatever He wants and can choose whoever He wants to carry His message.  We would not have chosen this guy as a candidate for apostleship, but God did.  God has chosen some terrible people to lead in His kingdom.  The calling of God cannot be earned and doesn't come because we deserve it.  It comes by God's choosing.

Prayer:

Father, your chosen instruments are not usually the ones I would choose.  You are God and You are in control.  Help me never determine whether someone is called into ministry by their past, but simply by the true call of God.  Help me see things like You do.

Your Son,
Jeff