His patience

Today in quiet time as I read 1 Timothy 1-4, one verse just jumped out at me. I have never noticed it until today, but it speaks volumes about who God is and how patient and loving He is. The verse is 1 Timothy 1:16 "But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life." 

   1 Timothy is written by Paul who was a terrible dude. He was a killer, liar, slanderer~ just an all- around awful person, but I am no different, and neither are any of us. We are all fallen, broken and torn, but that's why God's patience is so amazing. We run away time after time, commit adultery, lust and lie, but God is always there waiting for us. If God can wait for a killer, blasphemer and hater of Christianity, how much more does He wait on us! Christ's love, goodness, and patience are shown most through the broken. Paul was a murderer, but now he is an apostle of the Most High. He was a deceiver, but now he speaks truth. When God changes you, go out and share the change that God has made in your life so that you may be an example of His patience for those who might see, believe and then receive. You are a tool that Christ can use to show His unlimited patience. Use that and walk in the light! If Christ can and did save Paul, He can and will offer us life. Live the life in which Christ has called you so that others can see His patience and might live. 

Grace & Peace,

Stephen