The Twists and Turns of God's Story

 

But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. (Acts 9:1-9 ESV).

 

Young Saul of Tarsus had a pretty clear idea where his story was headed. He was bright, ambitious, and trained by the best teacher in Israel. He had a future as a powerful leader. And now here was an opportunity: leading the effort to hunt down the followers of Jesus of Nazareth, who had been executed a few months earlier. Jesus’ outrageous teachings had spurred his followers to cause trouble all over Israel. Soon Saul was leading raids on towns and cities, capturing followers of Jesus and bringing them to trial. It felt like a role he was destined to fill.

 

But one day, as his team approached Damascus, everything exploded in front of them—a blinding light, then a loud voice. Saul found himself on his back in the dust. Someone was asking him a question, so he asked, “Who are you?” “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” the voice said. Saul’s heart must have sunk at that. The rabbi they’d put to death was somehow back, and now he was pursuing Saul!

 

By the end of that encounter Saul’s eyes were blinded, but the eyes of his heart had been opened. His friends helped him stumble into town so that he could begin to see what Jesus Christ had in mind for his life story. Saul’s life would be drastically changed. Perhaps you feel like your life has reached a point where there is no u-turn possible; God has already seen this moment and planned for your change. Accept His will and purpose. Take the new direction knowing it will lead to your great good!