If He Can Be Used, So Can You

Read this description: A man who used his position to influence the behavior of others. A man who was vehemently against this “new message.” A man who personally oversaw the persecution, and in at least one case, the execution of those who believed differently than he did.

If you’re a believer, you probably already know who I’m talking about, but if you’re not, what if I told you that this man was responsible for 13 books of the New Testament?

If you’re not a believer, you might be taken aback by that statement. So, who is our mystery man today? His name is Paul.

Some quick backstory on Paul is necessary. Paul was originally known as Saul of Tarsus. He was a Pharisee. As we know, the Pharisees were definitively anti-Jesus. They believed He was a liar of sorts, a false prophet because He did not arrive the way they believed the Messiah should arrive (Matthew 21).

Saul was not a follower of Christ until after the crucifixion and resurrection. In fact, Saul persecuted members of the early church. He instigated and oversaw the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:54–60). Saul’s conversion came shortly after this.

While on the road to Damascus with his posse, so to speak, Saul was blinded by a bright light that the men with him couldn’t see, (although they did hear the voice). The voice said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” (Acts 9:5) After he saw the light, he was blinded for three days. During those days he didn’t eat or drink. Then, Jesus appeared to Ananias and commanded him to go to the house of Judas where Saul was staying. After some conversation, Ananias went there and laid his hands on Saul’s eyes, causing the scales to fall off. After this, Saul was baptized.

Further down the line, Jesus converts Saul to Paul. The entire story of Saul’s conversion to Paul can be found in Acts 9.

So, if God can use a man like Saul, a Pharisee who persecuted Christians, and turn him into who I consider to be the biggest spreader of Jesus’ Gospel in human history, He can definitely use you. Maybe you think, “With all the stuff I’ve done in my past, there’s no way I’m worthy.” If that were the case, none of us would be deemed worthy, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) Maybe you’re saying, “but I’ve got this addiction”, or “I struggle with depression”, or something like that. I’m telling you none of that matters! Moses was a stutterer and way worse, a murderer, but you know how God used him! We’ve all made mistakes and will continue to for the remainder of our lives, but the Agape love that Christ showed for us by sacrificing Himself on the cross gives us all forgiveness we don’t rightly deserve.

You may say, “but I’m no Billy Graham”. Well, neither was Billy Graham until he got out there and shared the gospel! No one expects you to be the next Billy Graham or Apostle Paul. All Jesus expects is that you love Him and do everything you can to share His Gospel with the world!

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” ‭‭(Matthew‬ ‭28:19‬ ‭ESV)

If He can use him, He can use you!