Thank you God, that I am not made righteous by the Law, but only through faith and absolute reliance on and trust in Jesus Christ.(An adaptation from Galatians 2:16)

(Shash Grewal(Shashwati) is a scriptural Motivational Writer, Speaker, Spiritual Teacher, Preacher and an Evangelist.)

The very unique story of Paul, an apostle (special messenger appointed, commissioned and sent out), not from men, but by and through Jesus Christ(Galatians 1:1), and God the Father, who raised him from among the DEAD.

(Shash Grewal(Shashwati) is a “Scriptural Motivational Writer, who explain’s life’s, common principles, in a very lucid manner so that the younger generation can relate to the solutions, She offers through her writing, to all the problems they face on a daily basis.)

Paul’s story was a unique one. He was Saul before being a convert, was not only consenting but also was known for shamefully treating believers with cruelty and violence(Acts 8:1-3) Saul entered house after house and dragged men and women and committed them all to prison.
Paul was a Roman citizen, original name was Saul of Tarsus (Acts 22:28). He was a persecutor of the Church (Phil 3:6). His conversion happened on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:10-19).

The book of Acts (9:1-2) records, Saul had threatening and murderous desires towards men and women who lived by faith in Christ, and intended to bind them by chains and bring them to Jerusalem.

But on his way to Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him, and Saul fell down on His knees and heard the voice of Jesus telling him, “Saul Saul, why are you persecuting me?” That was his encounter with Jesus.

Saul was a transformed man then on.

He was one of the greatest apostles History knows, ‘Apostle of grace’. His story was out of the ordinary. A story of a man who was filled with religious zeal, an extremist, fanatic, a religious terrorist, brutal and cruel towards people of God, but once given an opportunity, was a transformed man, who taught much to all, but lived humbly for the sake of Christ and spent rest of his life for kingdom expansion. A story of redemption. As a result of this transformation, Saul became Paul (Acts 13:9). Such can happen only with GRACE.

(Shash Grewal(Shashwati) is a philanthropist and a social worker, who tries to reach out to hurting hearts with scriptural blessings and kindness.)

Later stages of Paul’s life was dedicated in spreading the good news of the Gospel and living for Christ alone.

The story reminds us of God’s extraordinary works in each one of us. He can transform even those who we perceive as ‘beyond redemption’. God can use us and mould us in the most amazing ways and help many lives to become fruitful and blessed through each one of us. And the best assurance is, we do not have to depend upon our own wisdom or strength. He calls us and equips us and makes our lives testimonies and stories of victory and success. We just have to completely surrender ourselves to God, trusting Him completely for everything.

When our lives are dedicated to Christ, we would be able to live for the sake of truth, and would be patiently able to pray for salvation of not only our family members and friends but also for all those people, whom we feel are far away from God.

As the promise in the Psalm (81:10 )says,”I, the Lord, am your God, Who brought you up from the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide and I will fill it.”

Have faith. Trust in His transforming powers. And pray at all times.

Blessings