Story Time
Opening Prayer
Thank You, Lord, that You are writing Your story in my life. I purpose to be faithful to share it.
Read Acts 22:6-21
[6] “About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. [7] I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?’ [8] “‘Who are you, Lord?’ I asked. ” ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied. [9] My companions saw the light, but they did not understand the voice of him who was speaking to me. [10] “‘What shall I do, Lord?’ I asked. ” ‘Get up,’ the Lord said, ‘and go into Damascus. There you will be told all that you have been assigned to do.’ [11] My companions led me by the hand into Damascus, because the brilliance of the light had blinded me. [12] “A man named Ananias came to see me. He was a devout observer of the law and highly respected by all the Jews living there. [13] He stood beside me and said, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight!’ And at that very moment I was able to see him. [14] “Then he said: ‘The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. [15] You will be his witness to all people of what you have seen and heard. [16] And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.’ [17] “When I returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance [18] and saw the Lord speaking to me. ‘Quick!’ he said. ‘Leave Jerusalem immediately, because the people here will not accept your testimony about me.’ [19] “‘Lord,’ I replied, ‘these people know that I went from one synagogue to another to imprison and beat those who believe in you. [20] And when the blood of your martyr Stephen was shed, I stood there giving my approval and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.’ [21] “Then the Lord said to me, ‘Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’ ” Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What is most striking about Paul's conversion?Paul’s conversion is arguably the most famous in the Bible, so much so that the phrase “road-to-Damascus experience” is used to describe a life-changing moment, whatever its nature. Our own journey to faith is going to be very different from Paul’s, but also different from everyone around us. Just as God made us all unique, he also draws us to himself in unique ways. For some it’s a cerebral decision, after hearing the facts and deciding “yes.” For some it’s a journey of the heart, the feeling of God calling and seeking them in ways they don’t quite understand. For some it’s when they’re young; for some it’s as an adult. What Paul is showing us here is how powerful each of our stories is to an audience. We can quote the Bible to people and show them the love of Christ through our actions–and we should! But nothing resonates quite as powerfully as stories of how Jesus has touched our lives.
Apply
Take a moment to think about your story. Nobody has met God the way you have. Tell others what God has done.
Closing prayer
You are working in my life and I want to let the world know. Fill me with Your boldness so that I may speak words of life.
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