Read Acts 9:21-25
Five Words: Astonished – Growth – Opposition – God’s Glory.
Saul went from being a hater of Jesus and Christians to now preaching Jesus in several synagogues. All who heard him were ASTONISHED because they saw he was a changed man. But he didn’t stop there. He continued to GROW more and more powerful in his faith and in his teachings. People were baffled because Saul was proving that Jesus is the Messiah! After several days of Saul preaching some of the Jews, who OPPOSED Saul’s preaching, planned on how they might kill him. But Saul heard of their plan and some of his friends lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall so he could escape.
What a great example of what will happen if we are committed followers of Christ:
1. People will be ASTONISHED at how different we are from others because we are more loving and encouraging.
2. Because we are committed, we continue to GROW in our faith and understanding of God’s word so that we become stronger in our faith and more powerful in impacting the lives of others.
3. Sadly we will always face OPPOSITION. However, rather than always pray for God to “take them out,” pray God uses this as an opportunity for us to love them in hopes they come to Jesus. A guy I worked with at the lumber yard (years ago) was constantly attacking me and my faith. After 4 years, he went from attacking to listening and even respecting my faith.
4. What’s comforting is that we can serve the Lord with confidence knowing he’s in control and will take care of us. He will use every attack against us for HIS GLORY. This should cause us to rejoice versus complaining.
I pray your life is committed to Christ!
