The God Shot: Galatians 3:4-5

"Have you experienced so much in vain—if it really was in vain? So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard?" (Galatians 3:4-5)

In this letter, Paul is talking to the churches in a region called Galacia, which is near modern-day Turkey. These churches are made up mostly of Gentiles or non-Jews. The Jews had all kinds of laws, all of which Jesus kept perfectly. So these Gentiles thought they needed to keep these laws too, but Paul lets them in on some good news. God gave them His Holy Spirit before they ever kept any of those laws and before they ever started trying to live up to his standards. God didn't give them His Spirit because they were doing everything right. Your relationship with God isn't built on your ability to get things right. It's built on faith in Christ. What a relief and what a blessing. He's where the joy is!