Listen and Obey

DEVOTION
1 THESSALONIANS
LISTEN AND OBEY
1 Thess 1:4-5
4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction.
NIV
It does confound me how I am his. Has he really chosen me or did I choose him from my own free will? Both I dare say. He has indeed chosen me as he has all of his creation. He has exposed me to his Gospel, the good news about Jesus Christ dying for my sins, that I might be restored into fellowship with God and enjoy eternal life. I have to believe he has or will expose all of his creation, ever person, to his Good News, so they too may make that choice. In regards to me, He did it all with an immense amount of power. There is no question I needed a physical display of his power and might to know he even existed. This he did! I heard the word, the Good News but was only enlightened, but not moved until he displayed such power I could not deny he was God. His Spirit came upon me with such force I was stuck down powerless. I had only one choice, to submit to his authority in my life. Why others will not I do not know. Why some people decide to stay in the darkness of their own self is beyond my understanding. I have been freed from all my past darkness and been bought into the glories light of Christ. Why me and not them? I decided to accept his offer, they decided not to. It saddens me, especially those I was and am close to. I am so grateful to God for coming to me in such power and for his Spirit working so mightily in my life to convince me of my need of repentance. I know with all I have experienced in the presence of God, how he has provided for everything I need I shall never be moved from my faith. I believe my conviction deepens each day as I continue my journey with him. I never cease to be amazed as to how he continues to outdo his past miracles in my life. Sometimes I do wonder why he does so much for me, in me and through me. Then I remember it is because he loves me. But he loves the whole world, he loves all people the same as me. He does not show favoritism, his grace and mercy are available to all. His Gospel is for all people. His Spirit has been sent to convict all men of their need to repent. The only difference between them and me is because I choose to listen and obey.