Big Life Change
There have been instances in my life where my life changed in a big way. I’m thinking of job changes that look small in light of career change. All of those changes look small in light of divorce. Some life changes rock me from the bottom of my feet to the top of my head. Some changes are very hard and excruciatingly painful. I believe Romans 8:28 is true in spite of massive changes or small changes.
Saul had chosen the side of the religious leaders against the apostles of Jesus and the early church. In fact, he was on the offensive trying to stamp out the movement. He had legal documentation from the religious leaders to go to the neighboring city of Damascas for search for followers of Jesus there. He didn’t see what was coming, but a confrontation happened on the way that changed his destiny. Check this out…
3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” 5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” 9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything. 10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. 11 The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” 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.” 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. 20 At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. (Acts 9:3-6;9-12; 17-20 NIV)Saul went from capturing and arresting believers of Jesus to preaching that Jesus was the Son of God. This happened because he came face to face with Jesus. He was called out of his old life and into a new life with a new direction and a new purpose. Who could have predicted this? I imagine the religious leaders were astounded that one of their most zealous and bold works completely changed his ways and went a whole new direction. As I study the history of the church, Saul, who later became known as Paul had massive impact on the Roman people so much so that there was a strong movement in Rome that is known in world history. The history of the early church was dramatically affected by the big life change of this one man. The Lord for a big role chose Saul, even though he was on the wrong side to start with. God uses big life change and little life change to accomplishes His call for me. I would be wise to hold tightly to Him and His call upon my life so that I can accomplish what He’s calling me to be!
Pressing On! Dwayne