Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah. Acts 9:19-22

The story of Saul’s conversion has always stood out to be extremely powerful and life changing for me. It has been a constant reminder that our Lord can do all things and in His perfect timing. Here we have a man who was “breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples” and on the road to Damascus, the Lord Jesus personally calls him out. Jesus causes Saul to go blind for three days but then with Ananias’ help, Saul is able to see – both with his eyes and his heart. He was filled with the Holy Spirit. We just returned from the All Church Retreat and the focus during the weekend was Romans 8. However, Romans 8:31 is really resonating with me as I read Saul’s story, What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us; who can be against us? God had far greater plans for Saul than Saul had ever imagined.

What had once been a terrible life Saul was living, full of hate, viciousness, and even murder became a life full of love and sharing of the truth of Jesus Christ. Once again, the Lord takes something that is downright awful and turns it into good, which only He can do. Another cool trait about Paul, he never lost his intensity he just channeled it for good. What do we need to channel for good? What area in our life do we need to shift our focus on and make sure it’s being channeled in the right direction for the Lord? Do we need to have our own conversion experience on the road to Damascus? Let’s pray for the Lord to speak to us this week as we focus on Saul’s conversion and how it relates to our lives as well.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You took Saul and opened his heart and eyes to see Your love, wonder, and glory. Help us to make sure that we are leading others to Christ and also using our energy, talents, and time to faithfully serve You. Open our eyes and heart to Your amazing love and glory. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.