Galatians 1:15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace,

There is so much richness in Galatians 1 which I could focus upon but I would like to point out just one thing, “it pleased God”. The reason I do so is because of many conversations I have had with some who doubt the voracity of God. I choose the word voracity rather than veracity to imply God’s large appetite for salvation.

The general doubt in those conversations exists about why God would take an interest in their lives. For some it is a feeling of unworthiness, that they do not deserve the love of God. That is a correct understanding because none of us are worthy of God’s grace. Yet that does not stop God from granting the grace to save us.

But why?

Because it pleases Him to do so. I find it also interesting that Paul should include the issue of his mother’s womb. The comparison has some striking resemblances of birth and being born again. The father knows the mother is pregnant. The father has a great expectation of arrival. The father does not wait until the child is born to love the child. Once born the father rejoices in the delivery and smothers the child in the warmth of his love, even though that child has done nothing but been delivered.

Galatians 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

But why?

John 3:16 says because God is love and that is what love does.

1 John 4:101-11 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

Matthew 12:5 Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless?

Years ago I attended a type of charismatic church. It was not labeled as one in title but in function they believed in moving in the giftings. Much of their interests were centered around God’s supernatural ability. As one who was new to the idea, I observed more than took an active role.

There was an activity which caught the eye of the charismatics which was prominent in the state of Florida. It was reported that God was moving in a supernatural way in many non-denominational churches. Videos and articles began to be circulated and other churches tried to recreate the events of the Florida revivals of the Holy Spirit movement. Nearly all failed.

“Its wildfire, not of God, the devil’s deception.” Cried out the leaders of churches where the recreation efforts failed. For this novice charismatic, it became a little confusing. On the one side a claim of the Holy Spirit moving in power which was desired and on the other a claim of fakery and deception. What was I to believe? I did the only think that made sense at the moment for me and didn’t listen to either side of the argument.

As I grew in Christ I have come to believe that a strong wish that God would use me in certain ways does not mean that I understand God’s will. It is possible that God was working miracles in Florida. It is also possible that it was wildfire. But it is even more likely that certain people see notoriety and fame in a movement and want in on the actions without faith being involved.

Obedience of faith begins with God calling for us to be obedient in His will. What others do in obedience of faith or in vain imaginations is not for me to judge or participate. His will for me will come from my relationship with Him and not by what others do.

Matthew 12:6-7 But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple. But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.