Shortly after his conversion, Saul began preaching that Jesus is the Son of God. But what led up to that? Before his conversion, Saul was on his way to persecute believers when God suddenly interrupted him. A blinding light stopped him in his tracks, and he heard the voice of Jesus calling him by name. In that moment, Saul realized that his actions were not just against people; they were against God Himself. Humbled and shaken, he received a simple instruction: get up, go, and wait for direction.
God had a plan for Paul’s life, and it required His intervention for that plan to unfold. Like many of us, we can go astray along life’s journey. In His grace, God intervenes to save us spiritually and to empower us through the Holy Spirit to share the good news of Jesus. Acts 9:20 And immediately Paul began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is indeed the Son of God!” [1] Paul had not believed that Jesus could be the Messiah for numerous reasons. Now, he knew what it was like to walk in spiritual darkness and was inspired by God to share with others how He had changed him.
The Holy Spirit Transforms Us
Paul’s encounter with Jesus was deeply personal. The man who opposed Jesus now saw Him clearly as the Son of God, the promised Messiah. Through his conversion, this new understanding of who Jesus’ identity completely reshaped Saul’s life. This experience transformed His beliefs, identity, and purpose in life. 1 Corinthians 5:17This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! [2]
The good news of the Gospel is that no one is beyond the reach of our Savior Jesus. Neither Paul’s past nor ours disqualifies us from sharing the Gospel. Our past and the way the Lord has transformed our hearts make a powerful testimony. This reminds us that the Gospel on the move starts with changed hearts. Paul’s transformed heart enabled him to begin preaching that Jesus is the Son of God. There was no waiting period, no advanced training, no polished strategy. Paul simply shared with others what God had revealed to him.
God’s Work is Amazing
God’s work in the life of Saul was profound! All who heard him were amazed. Acts 9:21“Isn’t this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus’ followers in Jerusalem?” they asked. “And didn’t he come here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests?” [3] The same God who worked in Saul can also change the course of your life.
Today, you may have come to the end of yourself, unsure of what to do. It’s not too late to cry out to God! He specializes in taking what seems broken, lost, or even opposed to Him and turning it into something that glorifies Him. What looks like an ending in our eyes is often the very place where God begins something new. His work is amazing because it goes beyond what we can imagine, transforming lives in ways only He can accomplish.
To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/from-enemy-to-emissary
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.