I’ve heard of many powerful conversions, but nothing close to Paul’s, especially taking into account his background. Not only was he way off the road, he made it his life’s purpose to eradicate Christians. Remember, with the same passion that he had immersed himself in God’s work he earlier persecuted the Christians! And let’s be honest, I don’t think there has ever been someone with the same passion and determination for the unsaved than Paul!

My conversion happened differently: I was nine years old and our family was reading from the Bible. I suddenly started crying and felt quite embarrassed about it. Later my dad knelt with me by his bed, because he knew our Almighty Father was working in me. It was a wonderful experience.

There are many ways in which you can give your heart to the Lord. Maybe you did at an Angus evening. Maybe you were there in your room and prayed to God that you wanted to be his child. Maybe you’ve been a child of God from a young age and maybe you can’t remember the exact date or place – it doesn’t matter.

All that matters is God’s promise that He chose us even before we were formed in our mother’s womb, before we could choose or ask. He knew my name and wrote it in the book of Life! 15Even then God had designs on me. Why, when I was still in my mother’s womb he chose and called me out of sheer generosity!

Paul was a cruel man, a man who lived a life of passion and who did everything to the best of his ability and more. Therefore, when he was appointed as guardian of the faith of his parents, he did not shy away from eradicating those who lived differently, such as the Christians, for example. He cut their heads off with a sword.

But Paul was in God’s sights. God wanted to use Paul powerfully.

On the road to Damascus Paul met his match. He met God. This meeting was so powerful that he was completely blind for three days. But when he could see again, he started with a bang and with the same passion that he previously killed the Christians, he spread the gospel to the unsaved so that they could become Christians. It actually sounds ridiculous, but when God’s plans are implemented, people may sometimes find it incomprehensible.

Before Paul had even been born, God had a plan for him.

I feel very small that God had chosen me to work in his Kingdom. I know that God had a long-term plan and, yes, even before my birth God had, like Paul said, “designs on me”, because, you see, my mom and dad had decided to have only five children. My mom was sterilised after the birth of the fifth one. And exactly 365 days later the sixth one made his appearance. And that was me. I believe wholeheartedly that God has a plan with my life and that even a sterilisation could not hold me back. 15 Even then God had designs on me. Why, when I was still in my mother’s womb he chose and called me out of sheer generosity!

God had a plan for me even before I was born.

And God has a plan with your life. You are not here by accident, even if, like me, you weren’t on the programme. No, God has plans for you. Before your parents thought of you God had you in his sights. God has a great plan with your life. It doesn’t matter how rough your life was or is. Doesn’t matter whether or not you cursed God and his children. God has big plans for your life.

God had a plan for you before you were even born.

That is why it is so important that you will live in a way that will show yourself and others that you have been chosen by the Almighty Father. The girl band, Shine 4, used to sing a song with the lyrics: Live the way you want to, but make a difference! Do it today: Live like someone who has been handpicked by the Great Creator and out of gratitude go and make a difference in the lives of other people.

Galatians 1:11-24

Reflection

Do you believe that God had a plan with you even before you were born?

What is God’s plan for your life?

Where can you go and make a difference?

Prayer

Father, it’s good to hear that You have a plan with me. Sometimes I’m just floating around, not knowing which direction to go. Please help me discover what is your plan for my life. I want to make the difference that You have planned long ago to make through me. Amen