I strongly argue that even though Paul is indeed one of his kinds, by the same Grace, we can be used by God, if we walk the same path as Paul (Hanny Setiawan)
The nature of finding God’s will is similiar to decision making process that we know in today’s
management practices. Unfortunately, the similarity presents a dangerous pitfall that can be very counter-productive. Choosing God’s best is not merely choosing the best option offered on table. In fact, many times “the best option” is not what God has in mind. This means that the right decision does not necessarily “profitable”, and it can cost us something.
Paul says “But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I
consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whosesake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ” (Phil 3:7-8). Basically, the decision that Paul made has literally cost himeverything that he has.
One can argue that Paul is different and that he is one of his kinds. And perhaps it is a very true
argument. But it does not rule out the fact that Paul (aka Saul) was a mass-killer. In our
modern vocabulary, Paul was a terorist. His life was even far from so-called “a normal life.” In average, we have “better life” than Paul.
So I strongly argue that even though Paul is indeed one of his kinds, by the same Grace, we can be used by God, if we walk the same path as Paul. For Paul what matter is “to gain Christ.” And that’s God’s will. By choosing God’s way, Paul’s life was brokenned. The question is whether we are willing to do the same thing.
In our daily life, decision that we have to make might not have the same ramification as Paul’s. But still the concept is the same. God’s way is always the way of Cross. As we live in a sinful world, we tend to choose the most comfortable and convenient way. Even though the “worse option” is not automatically God’s preferred way either, I would like to suggest to be more “suspiciuos” to any easier, looks better, makes more sense type of options.
Theology of suffering isalways less popular than theology of blessing. But through the suffering, Jesus Christ has brought to usthe eternal blessing.
Phil 3:10 “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his
sufferings, becoming like him in his death”
Are you about making an important decisions? Just take a moment and ask this question, “For whose’s sake this decision I make?” Let’s learn to be obedient and choose God’s way of suffering. It’s not promised as an easy road, but it’s assured to bring us closer to the real reality: God Himself.
Psalm34:18 “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
RELATED:
Godly Advise: Finding God’s Will (1)
Brokenness: Finding God’s Will (2)
Writing His-Story : Finding God’s Will (3)
Don’t Try, But Walk In Faith : Finding God’s Will (4)
Hanny Setiawan - Indonesia
Chairman of Kingdom Family Network that envisions New Indonesia. In literatur ministry, his desires is to "translate prophetic messages" into natural language of politic, social, economy, business, IT, education, music, etc in a view of "reformed charismatic theology"
