I was reflecting this morning on this passage and my mind kept thinking that each of us, as leaders, travel our own road to Damascus. It is a continuous journey.
Granted most of us are or were not persecuting Christians like Saul; however, one thing was true is that we were not walking according to the plan that God had for our lives.
Despite how bad things were before our “Christ encounter”, it is really reassuring to see where God said: “Go, for this man is a [deliberately] chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel;” Acts 9:15 AMP
I am so grateful that even in the midst of our actions which were/are contrary to Christ, he still sees us as his chosen instruments.
As leaders, we error. We may have multiple trips where we deviate from Gods plan for our lives. Maybe not to the initial degree but we may find ourselves off the road or even losing ground on the road.
The good news is that Christ is still trying to get our attention and to prepare us for promotion and advancement. He created us and he knows us and creates moments of divine revelation that are absolute and undeniable because it is so impactful and transformational for us.
God is acutely aware of how to get our attention and to demonstrate his sovereignty, love and rulership.
We just have to yield and allow him to help us.
He even writes: “THEREFORE THEN, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us,
and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us,
Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection].
He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God. [Ps. 110:1.]” Hebrews 12:1-2 AMPC
Despite what we have achieved so far, we are destined for even greater works because of our “Christ encounter” if we would once again:
“Delight ourselves also in the Lord, and He will give us the desires and secret petitions of our heart.
Commit our way to the Lord [roll and repose each care of our load on Him]; trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass.” Psalm 37:4-5 AMPC
Be Blessed!
Be a Blessing!
“And requested of him letters to the synagogues at Damascus [authorizing him], so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way [of life as determined by faith in Jesus Christ], he might bring them bound [with chains] to Jerusalem.
Now as he traveled on, he came near to Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him, And he fell to the ground.
Then he heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me [harassing, troubling, and molesting Me]?
And Saul said, Who are You, Lord? And He said, I am Jesus, Whom you are persecuting. It is dangerous and it will turn out badly for you to keep kicking against the goad [to offer vain and perilous resistance].
Trembling and astonished he asked, Lord, what do You desire me to do?
The Lord said to him, But arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.
The men who were accompanying him were unable to speak [for terror], hearing the voice but seeing no one.
Then Saul got up from the ground, but though his eyes were opened, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.” Acts 9:2-8 AMPC
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