We first met Saul as he held the coats for those who stoned Stephen.  Saul was filled with indignation against the Lord’s disciples.  He asked the high priest to give him the appropriate letters to a synagogue in Damascus so that if he found Christians in that city, he could bring them back as prisoners to Jerusalem.  Saul, who became Paul, was so filled with hate that he could not hear God’s voice.  Sometimes, we become so filled with our own wishes or prejudices that we cannot hear God.

When God demands our attention, one way or the other, we need to acquiesce.  My Daddy used to say to me, “Son, there’s an easy way and a hard way.”  In actuality, all the men who raised me were far from gentle.  My dad, my grandfather, my uncle - all were far from coddling or babying me or any other young male they felt they were raising.  It is surprising to the current generation at some of their methods of child-rearing.  The truth is many times we choose the hard way.  Paul chose the hard way.  God has the power to knock us off our high horse and get our attention.

As Saul rode to Damascus, a light from heaven flashed around him.  He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”  “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.  “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied.  “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”  The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound, but did not see anyone.  Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing.  So the men led Saul by the hand into Damascus.  For three days, he was blind and had totally lost his ability to eat or drink anything.

God had a completely different plan for Saul.  Yet, Saul went off in his own direction.  I have found in my own life that it is necessary to ask God about my decision before I take action.  When I give God time to answer, there is usually a perspective I don’t have.  The last thing Saul expected was to become involved in the Christian community.  Yet, God wanted to use Saul’s unique gifts in converting the Gentile people.  Saul was a rare combination of perspective.  He understood Jewish theology and Hellenistic life.  He could bridge the gap that took Christianity from a Jewish sect into the mainstream of Roman life.

Saul had been chosen by God for this task.  Isn’t it ironic that he went off to persecute Christians and then became one.  The Holy Spirit took away even his Jewish name of Saul and gave him a completely Hellenistic persona and name - Paul - so he could appeal to the very people he hated.  God is certainly full of surprises.  Many times He moves people from one set of circumstances to the other because He has a better use for them than they would choose for themselves.  Perhaps God has something completely unique for us…a mission we would not expect and a call that will re-light the direction of our lives.

Prayer:  Dear God, guide us to be open to Your direction for our lives.  Amen.