“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.’ The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.”
Have you ever had an experience that was quite jarring and abrupt? Maybe it was a car accident or a huge thunderclap that woke you up in the middle of the night. Perhaps it was someone who jumped out from behind a door to scare you. Maybe it was a sharp voice from one of your parents who caught you in the act of doing something you weren’t supposed to.
Sometimes the Spirit moves us in subtle ways. Some people speak of a “still small voice” that moves us toward God. But sometimes he wakes us up through dramatic experiences, like in Paul’s case—the Bible says that he was knocked to the ground and blinded!
When God draws individuals to himself, he often does so through a crisis at work, in relationships, or perhaps even through near-death experiences. You can be sure that God got Paul’s attention and, if necessary, he can get ours, too.
Read
“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.”
- How do we see God drawing Paul to himself in this text?
- Do you know anyone who had a crisis that God used to draw their heart to him?
Prayer
Father, thank you that you sometimes use loud experiences to wake us up out of our sinful slumber. You love us too much to leave us alone; you’re a Father who lovingly calls his children out of disobedience. You did it for Paul, and you do the same for us. May we be receptive to your call and to your correction. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
This devotion is adapted from the Acts Study Guide: Chapter 6–11. Pick up a copy today for only $9.99. The Study Guide includes an 11-week curriculum with small group studies, group inductive studies, as well as 55 daily devotions for your personal or family worship.
