“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me” (1 Cor.15:10).

By the “grace of god I am what I am.” Paul, in defending the resurrection and his apostolic calling, pauses to acknowledge the source of his transformation: grace. This is not a sentimental grace, but a powerful, effectual working of God’s faithfulness that redefined his identity, redirected his zeal, and reoriented his labor.

He does not deny his effort, “I worked harder than all of them,”but he refuses to boast in it. His effort was not the source of his transformation or effectiveness. Instead, he attributes even his striving to the grace that was with him. Grace, then, is not just pardon; it is power. It is not passive; it is productive for the Kingdom of God.

Here we find a verse that can be a mirror for every servant of God who has been rescued from brokenness, pride, or misguided zeal. Paul’s past as a persecutor did not disqualify him, it became the backdrop against which God’s grace shone all the brighter. “I am what I am” is not resignation, it is redemption. “His grace was not without effect” is a challenge to stagnant faith. “Yet not I” is the anthem of the humble laborer in the Lord’s vineyard. 

For those in ministry, especially those carrying wounds, regrets, or a sense of unworthiness, this verse is a lifeline. Grace does not erase our past, it reclaims it. It does not excuse laziness, it empowers holy striving.

In our prayer time, we need to thank Him for that grace that found us, formed us, and continually fuels us. Still, we cannot boast in our labor in light of His grace, as it is only His grace working through us. Then our life and its fruit remain His as we remain ever mindful of His grace working in us. 

How has His grace shaped your identity and calling? Is grace bearing fruit in your life? Or have we received it, and hidden it away?

Today I want to encourage you, especially as you wrestle with a past that would seem to disqualify you, remember, His grace rewrites the story, and changes your character completely.

Maranatha. Shalom.