Authors: Gerard and Bernie Robinson, from Charis in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
In the 9th chapter of Acts it says, “Now as he journeyed he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed about him. And he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute 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.” (Acts 9:3-6)
Have you ever been asked to share your testimony or conversion story of how you came to know the Lord in a personal way, how you gave your life to Him as a disciple, or how you were filled with the Holy Spirit? In today’s scripture we read the most famous conversion story in history!
Backed by the Sanhedrin, Saul started out from Jerusalem to root out Christian escapees hiding in Damascus. On the road Jesus revealed himself to Saul in a personal, spectacular way and he was totally changed. He acknowledged Jesus as Lord, repented of his sins, surrendered his life, became a disciple, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and was transformed from Saul, the Christian persecutor, to Paul, the disciple of Christ and Apostle to the Gentiles.
Sometimes God breaks into a person’s life in a dramatic way or with amazing spiritual experiences, and sometimes conversion to Christ is a more gradual process or a quieter and more reflective experience. The right way for a person to come to personal faith, commitment to Christ, and fullness of the Holy Spirit is the way that God chooses for them. In other words, there is no right or wrong way as we see it, just God’s way.
So next time you go to share your personal testimony, perhaps wishing it had more miraculous and wondrous signs, just be thankful that God knows you and what is best for you. All He wants is for you to cooperate fully with what He is doing in and through you. His grace will do the rest.
Scripture quotations from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright © 1973 1978 1984 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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