In Christ: From Impossible to Possible

Are you in Christ? Or are you not yet in Christ?

Paul while writing the book of Ephesians was under very difficult circumstances yet he begins with “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). Paul was evidently a powerful preacher who proclaimed the gospel of Christ wherever he went. On one occasion, he is recorded as preaching all night (acts 20:7-12). As a result of Paul’s preaching, many new churches were founded, and the Gentiles became a significant part of the Church which, in its formative years, had been exclusively Jewish. Paul spent years under house arrest, but still he was able to preach and teach without hindrance (Acts 28:31). Trying to comment on the life of Paul in a few words is like trying to take a five-minute tour of an interesting place meant to be explored. His conversion to Christ was one of the most transforming experiences of history. Out of the many wonderful lessons that we can draw from the life and character of the apostle Paul, the most important is that of whole-hearted commitment. And because of his commitment, impossible things became possible during his ministry time and down the ages. In fact, millions have been converted through reading the account of his conversion or hearing a sermon on the theme. Indeed, as someone put it, “His conversion still converts”. How about your commitment to Christ?

Oftentimes, we too may be faced with daunting challenges in life – challenges in the form of financial difficulties, sickness, addiction, relationship problems or other bondages. But, God is reminding us that we should not focus on the seeming impossibilities but on Him – we should take that bold step of faith and obey no matter what. We will be facing trying times which will be full of seemingly impossible and insurmountable challenges given that the world is now experiencing an economic crisis which we have never experienced before. God is assuring us that He will fulfill His promise, will deliver us and will be with us. With God, nothing is impossible. Somebody said, “Christian life is not an ordinary life to live, it is supernatural”. That’s why we constantly need God’s help through the work of the Holy Spirit.

The apostle Paul was a persecutor of Christians until he had a personal encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. The passion with which he formerly persecuted Christians was re-channeled into the preaching of the Gospel. The joy Paul received from his personal knowledge of Christ gave him the excitement to share with others what he had come to know. Can God use us as He did in the life of Paul?

Jesus’ last words on earth before He was lifted up to heaven are clear instructions of what we are expected to do until He returns. “…but you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). We are to be witnesses for Christ, which simply means telling others what we have heard from Him and what we have seen Him do in our lives. But how do we develop a positive attitude towards sharing the Good news? Until we have experienced the reality of Jesus, who He is and what He has done for us, it is hard to develop the passion and enthusiasm. Until we have a personal encounter with the risen Savior, we will not have deep convictions about Jesus; convictions that we would die for. There will be no heart for evangelism unless we have given our hearts to Christ. Are you in Christ? Or are you not yet in Christ? You need Jesus in your life. Ask Him to come into your life right now.