Wow! What a mighty God we serve.
I see people that I knew years ago and remember the life they used to live. CrAzY!! Now, years have gone by and their lives are completely changed. Some are preachers or married to one, some are dedicated Christians and enjoy serving the Lord, and some are just a bit softer around the edges. Time heals. Time changes people.
Saul’s conversion on the road to Damascus is one of the most famous historical stories told today. What a phenomenal story for all to hear about how God can change lives. In Saul’s, now named Paul, case it didn’t take years to have him become a preacher, a dedicated servant of God, and quite a bit softer around the edges kind of guy. It only took a moment in time.
One minute Saul was persecuting and seeking out Christians to put into prison, then “suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’” Acts 9:3-4 says. He immediately asked, “Who are you, Lord?” Jesus replied, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” (Acts 9:5)
Saul ended up being blind for three days, and he didn’t eat or drink anything during that time. God had a plan. He knew where Saul was. He knew what Saul had been doing to the Christians. He knew Saul was going to go on and do great things for Him. God knows this about us too. We may not be physically blind to God and His will for us, but we are often blind to what He has in store for us.
Imagine the great plans God has for us if we will just remove the scales from our eyes, like Saul had done to him, and immediately rejoice and trust in Him.
I bet this all totally rocked Saul’s world. He went from persecuting Christians to being one of the greatest witnesses for Christ and brought many to the faith.
People were astonished and baffled at the change that had taken place in Saul’s life. I must admit I have been amazed at the transformation in some of those people who I knew way back when. Why? Why does this bewilder me to see such a change? God is awesome! He works miracles in our lives each day. If He can turn water in to wine, walk on water without the special effects of Hollywood, raise others and Himself from the dead, create the world and our universe from nothing, and create man from dust and woman from a rib of a man, why should I be amazed? He is God!
Are you a changed person? It may not be as drastic as Paul’s change. But if you are changed by God, you have a testimony. You have had your own “Road to Damascus” story. We read in verse 20 that “At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.” He didn’t wait until he thought he knew enough about God like many of us do, he instantaneously began sharing God with others.
Your testimony is simple. It is how you were before Christ, and how He has made you better now. It may be as simple as just saying, “Jesus loves you and me, and he has given me a hope for a future in heaven.” Don’t be ashamed or scared to start telling someone your testimony. God will put the words in your mouth to say. Pray for boldness. Pray for opportunities to share. Pray for His love to shine through you.
I just prayed for you regarding those three requests mentioned.
Have a beautiful day.