Galatians 2:8
“for He who effectually worked for Peter in his apostleship to the circumcised effectually worked for me also to the Gentiles”.
Paul is saying that the Lord empowered and guided Peter and himself in his ministry. Peter spoke to thousands in his words, but those of different languages understood him. Peter also successfully told a cripple to rise and walk. He wrote two books of the bible that bear his name. Thousands came to Christ through his ministry. Paul did more of the same. The Lord gifted and empowered them and others to launch the church.
On a much smaller scale, the Lord wants to work in and through us. Jesus said in John 14:12, “Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I am doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” The idea of greater things is another topic for a different day. I want to focus on the extraordinary fact that our God wants to work in and through us.
We understand that we have a craving for significance. That’s why parents give a trophy to every child who participates. While well intentioned, that practice is misguided. Us parents need to find our child’s strength and reward it.
The best aim is for a parent to raise their children in Christ. The Lord truly knows us and seeks to use us. He will use our talents for His glory. This scratches our itch for significance.
Our culture makes the mistake of raising a self centered child. This ends in misery. Jesus says in Matthew 10:39, “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” We are to enter each day as having dedicated it to the Lord and asking for His guidance and protection. We also ask Him to help us walk in obedience to Him. With this attitude of service, He uses us. We can agree with Paul that He “effectually worked for me” in His intended purpose.
Lord, thank You for Your great love. Thank You that You want to rebuild us for Your glory. Thank You that You want to use us. Help us to yield to You.