1 Timothy 1:1 – Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of God our Savior, and of Christ Jesus, who is our hope.
Paul became an Apostle not because he decided to take up that trade or to get a degree in it, but because God chose Him. God commanded him and if we wonder if that is a violation of Paul’s free will (As I once was puzzled by it) that is a good question to consider. After all when the Lord commands so forcefully and confronts, who can withstand the sovereign will of God? (Although in reality, we have millions of examples) Yet when we consider the Lord overwhelming Paul (Acts 9:3-5) we must consider that God is omniscient (Psalm 44:21, 1 Kings 8:39, John 21:27) and we are not. (Job 42:1-6) Therefore He knows Paul’s heart and will. Paul loved being the Lord’s disciple and zealously sought to do the will of God. The Lord knew that he would. The Lord was not forcing Paul to be what he did not want to be. Rather the Lord fulfilled Paul’s dreams by helping him change tracks.
Yes, the Lord powerfully confronted him but in doing that He gifted and assisted Paul to live out what was his most fervent desire. (1 Timothy 1:12-14) Paul was already a zealot to serve God, He was happy in his doing what he thought pleased God. (Galatians 1:13-14) But what Paul thought was right was the opposite of what God wanted. (Acts 9:5) Paul had the right heart but the wrong idea on how to please God. Walking the wrong path for his life, Paul had cried out to God to lead him and use him. So the Lord God answered his prayer. Paul did not have his free will violated but instead the Lord led him to his greatest desire and what Paul had willed for, had prayed for. On the path Paul was on he would not have achieved what he most wanted, to properly serve and honor the Lord. The Lord did not force Paul into anything but rather rescued Him. It is a lack of understanding to say that the Lord violated Paul’s free will and forced him into service, it would be more properly said that Paul was rescued from fighting against his God. Paul’s path was leading him off a cliff and the Lord stopped him from evil overtaking him and set him the correct and safe path.
So we pray “not my will Lord, but yours.” We pray that if we are off target that He help us, we pray for Him step in and lead us. From our very souls we pray “Lord God, keep me close to you.” Let me not wander on a murderous path to my death, but instead keep me on the secure path of Your perfect will, where I am safe with You. Psalm 139:23-24 “Search me, God, and know my heart; put me to the test and know my anxious thoughts; 24 And see if there is any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.” So Lord, please confront me when I am astray and strongly guide me to walk in Your will. As Paul desired, please correct me when needed and cause me to live to please you. There in rhapsody I will live forever with you. Praise the Lord!
Psalm 150:6 – Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Micah 7:7 – But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will Hear me.
Micah 6:8 – He has shown you, Oh man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
Numbers 6:24-26 – The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.