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The calling of God
Galatians 1:1
Paul knew with absolute certainty that God had called him as an apostle, sent out to open the way for the gospel to go to other nations. He obeyed even though, from his perspective, he was not qualified for the work to which God called him. We tend to think that apostolic ministry is only done by inherently great and powerful leaders. Yet Paul would say it was nothing but the grace of God that qualified him and others.
Take as a modern example the story of an elderly woman named Alice, who worked near the infamous red-light district in Amsterdam. For years, Alice felt great compassion for the “girls” who sold their bodies there. She began reaching out to them, and within a few months several of the women Alice had counseled accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Next, she started a Bible study for them. As their friends and family members began attending, the Bible study group grew so large that it became a church with a full-time pastor. But the story does not end there. Alice went on to start more churches by reaching out to prostitutes in other cities. Well into her 70s she continued on her God-given mission to rescue lost and hurting people.
No matter what your age or experience God can use you too! Ask him to anoint you and send you out as he did Alice.
More insight: Matt. 10:1; 1 Cor. 1:26-31; 12:28; 15:9-11; 1 Peter 2:9.
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