Acts 9:1 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples….
Saul’s conversion reminds me of a saying: “If you think you’ve blown God’s plan for your life, rest in this. You, my beautiful friend, are not that powerful.” Saul was murderous and zealous in his persecution of Christians, yet God still used him as a powerful force to grow the early church.
Acts 9:15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.
This was by no means an easy transformation. It involved blindness and fear, trust and rebirth, and a healthy dose of humility. When Ananias lays hands on him, Saul was filled with the Holy Spirit and became a new creation. God used him in powerful ways, often revealing each next step only as he needed it.
Acts 9:17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
Lord, Thank You for the redeeming power of Your love. Thank You that You can take the ashes of my life and turn it into beauty. Help me remember that You can use all things for our good and Your glory. Guide me step-by-step, Lord. Amen.
Acts 9:23 & 25 After many days had gone by, there was a conspiracy among the Jews to kill him….But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall.
Have a blessed day.