Galatians Chapter 4: 13-18 (NIV)
As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you, and even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself.Where, then, is your blessing of me now? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?
Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may have zeal for them. It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you.
There are two things I have been reminded of today from this short passage. Firstly, that God can use unexpected or difficult circumstances for good. Paul reminds the Galatians that it was illness that had brought him to them, and yet in that time, Paul used his stay there to preach the Gospel. The inference is that but for his illness, he might not have stayed there. It’s a reminder to see God at work regardless of how we feel, physically or emotionally. If we let God have His way regardless, He is able still to use us. Paul gives us a personal example here of how all things can indeed work together for good for those who love the Lord (Romans Chapter 8 verse 28) – even illness.
The second thing that strikes me here is another example of Paul being able to speak from personal experience. He warns the church to take care of being over zealous, and also that their zeal was for the right reasons. After all, who more than Paul knew the impact of directing his zeal at the wrong cause. Think of the way he persecuted the infant church of Christ. If we have the sort of nature where we can easily become passionate for a cause, whatever it is, even our stand for God, we need to make sure that we are not letting our passion and emotions take over. We need to be sure we are being guided by the Holy Spirit. Paul knew the dangers of letting emotions get carried away, and he could see there were those amongst the Galatians who were trying to lead them astray, and being very zealous in their efforts. Paul knew just what that was like, and that’s why he could warn of the danger of it so effectively.
That’s an example of why our own personal testimonies can be so impactful on others. We are speaking from experience, and that can be so helpful to others who find themselves in similar circumstances.
Dear Lord,
We learn so much from the experiences of others. Help us to take on board what we learn and use what they teach us to glorify You in our own lives. Help us to be careful even in our stand for You not to allow our passion and emotions rule our actions, but instead be guided by the Holy Spirit. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.