Galatians 1

Galatians 1:15

But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother's womb and called me through His grace, was pleased

When we think of those called by God from the womb, we think of Jeremiah, where that verse lies.  Perhaps we think of other prophets that way, like Isaiah or Daniel or Samuel.  Maybe we even consider the great men of the Bible, like Moses and David.

However, how often do we think of the average person being called from the womb?  I know I never think of myself that way, or most of the people I know.  How would our outlook upon life change if we did think of each other that way, each called specifically by God?

2 Corinthians 13

2 Corinthians 13:5

Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves!  Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you--unless indeed you fail the test?

I'll admit, I'm not certain exactly how we're supposed to be testing ourselves.  How do we prove we are or aren't believers, beyond knowing we've accepted Christ?  Is there something beyond that we're supposed to be looking for?

If there is something else, what is it?  It seems to be more than just having done certain things like baptism.  It appears to be something internal; perhaps the faith that we truly have accepted Christ, and aren't just playing at it.

2 Corinthians 12

2 Corinthians 12:7

Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me--to keep me from exalting myself.

It appears that in this instance, God is using Satan on Paul.  He has willingly allowed a demon, or directly commanded one, to torment Paul.  Why would the demon permit this?

The demon at this point would have to know that it is being used to keep Paul from being able to brag.  Yet wouldn't the demon want Paul to brag, and therefore hurt his ministry?  Why would the demon go along with this, unless either (1) it's a metaphorical demon, or (2) the demon does not have free will to disobey God's directive.