Paul lived a transformative life. We read about him in scripture a persecutor of Christ followers (Galatians 1.). Imagine that! Undoubtedly, he hated Christians. Yet, Paul wrote the most inspiring and motivational books in the Bible. How can that be?
Paul was touched by the Spirit (Acts 9: 17-19). The spirit knocked him off his horse. As a result, Paul became temporarily blind. Further, the Spirit spoke to Paul and asked why does he persecute Him. Paul had to spend some time to process what happened to him. The Spirit was undeniable to him. His life transformed.
Now it was Paul who was being persecuted. Moreover, he became a Christ follower. Paul was beaten, bitten by a snake, shipwrecked and jailed. Amazingly, Paul wrote inspirational letters to many churches in the New Testament while in jail. These letters were motivational. It challenged them.
Paul had the opportunity to denounce his faith. Needless to say, he could have become depressed. Hostile, bitter, mean, and critical are some other traits Paul could have become. Instead, Paul became steadfast and unmovable. What an example for us!
Paul encourages us to think ourselves happy. In Acts 26 Paul recounts his transformation. In recounting his transformation, he becomes happy. He is happy because he realizes the old man he used to be. He acknowledges the new man that he is.
Life is a matter a perspective. It is our attitudes towards things. Nonetheless, we can choose to think on the negative things that happen to us in our lives. Or, we can decide to focus on the positive and the goodness of God. We can think ourselves happy, too! Love & Blessings!