Knocked Down and Turned Around

Text: Acts 9:1-9
Theme: In a flash, Paul went from a strong, self-confident man to a humbled and blind man dependant on someone else’s mercies.
Key verses: “Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus…As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice…” (v. 1-4a) “I am Jesus…Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do” (v. 5b-6). “Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind, and did not eat anything” (v. 8-9).
What God said to me: Dwayne, I have a way of knocking people down in order to stand them back up as changed. Can you imagine Saul as ever having been told what to do and where to go? He was a take charge guy who needed no one to lead him or motivate him. He wasn’t accustomed to taking orders from others, and he certainly wasn’t used to having to be led by the hand like a helpless child. That flash of light was in essence the light of grace–my grace and my mercy that I shone on Paul, and on all he would reach in the future. Humble yourselves under my mighty hand, and in due time, I will lift you up.
What I said to God: Thank You Lord for speaking to me this morning. Thank You for showing mercy, great mercy, on me. I praise You for Your kindness and for Your grace that is greater than all my sin. Forgive me when I walk around in self-confidence and with sinful motives. Frankly I care not to have to be suddenly blinded. However, if I ever stray away from You, then do whatever You need to turn me around. I thank You in advance for Your grace that keeps me living and focused on You. “Now unto Him who is able to keep us from falling and present us faultless before His throne with exceeding joy…”