Paul, Peru, Plans, and Purpose

I've been so lucky to join my Portland church on a 90 day study through the New Testament, even though I'm alllll the way out here in Nevada.  While I'm definitely missing out on the community group discussions, I feel blessed that I can still participate in the daily readings and journaling, as well as listen (albeit a week behind schedule) to the sermons online.

Currently, we are blazing through the book of Acts and I'm learning all about Paul's intensely fierce faith, despite a level of ridiculously extreme persecution that I can't even begin to fathom.

And then I came to this passage from chapter 22 when Paul tells of his initial reaction to God's calling:

^19-20 “At first I objected: ‘Who has better credentials? They all know how obsessed I was with hunting out those who believed in you, beating them up in the meeting places and throwing them in jail. And when your witness Stephen was murdered, I was right there, holding the coats of the murderers and cheering them on. And now they see me totally converted. What better qualification could I have?’

Oh Paul, honey, can I ever relate to your frustration.

Here you are, trying to glorify God by using your story, your strengths - the best thing you think you have to offer - and instead He says: go...over here. 

You know, that place you had no plans of ever going to?  That thing you never thought you would do?  Yea, that's where I want you.  Forget all your plans - even if they are great and intended for My glory - and just...go.

And all I have to say is thank God Paul listened. 

God used his obedience in a tremendous way.  He brought the Gospel to the non-Jewish world.  He opened up God's word and unabashedly shared it for all - that includes you and me.  All because he was willing to ignore his better judgment and just say yes.

Can you see where I'm going with this?