Game Changers: Devotions for Families Who Play Different (Age 13-18)නියැදිය

A Bright Light and A New Life

Ready: Acts 9:1–22

Set:

Saul from Tarsus had been making Christians’ lives unbearable during the time of the early Church. Those of “The Way,” as followers of Jesus were called then, hid from Saul as he continued to breathe murderous threats in Jerusalem. At this time, he heard there were disciples in the synagogues in Damascus, so he went out to find them and persecute them.

As he was traveling to Damascus, a sudden light flashed around him and he fell to the ground, hearing a voice exclaim, “Saul, Saul why are you persecuting me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul cried out. It was Jesus—the very one Saul was persecuting! This exchange left Saul blind. The Lord told Saul to go into the city and wait for instruction, so Saul complied.

Meanwhile, the Lord reached out to a believer named Ananias and told him to go to Saul and heal his blindness. Ananias was more than nervous; he had heard stories about Saul and his persecution of Christians, but he trusted the Lord and did as he was asked. He went to Saul and told him he was there to restore his sight and pray with him so that he could receive the Holy Spirit. Something like scales fell immediately from Saul’s eyes, and his sight was back to normal. Saul could not believe this! He was immediately baptized and began preaching on behalf of the Lord. Along with his new life, he also got a new name: Paul. He would go on to be God’s instrument to reach the Gentiles (non-Jews). Much of the New Testament was written by Paul, as he was inspired by the Holy Spirit.

Paul’s story is a good example of doing what we think is right. Paul thought he was protecting God and God’s people. This story is also a good reminder that our past choices do not disqualify us from future ministry. God chose Paul. He made one of the church’s most passionate enemies into one of its most passionate apostles and sharers of the Gospel of Christ. Paul uses his story, his history, and his education for the glory of God. His faithfulness shows us that no matter where we come from, God can use us.

Go:

1. What amazes you most about this story?
2. Saul was attacking Christians, and the Lord immediately changed Saul’s entire way of thinking. What does this teach you?
3. How nervous would you have been if you were Ananias? Do you think you could have obeyed, as Ananias did?
4. This event is known as the “Damascus Road Conversion.” Have you ever had an experience like this? Have you come to a point when you knew the Holy Spirit was moving in your heart, you acknowledged you needed Jesus, and you chose to follow Him?

Workout:

Joshua 24:15; Romans 12:2; Romans 8:28

Overtime:

“Lord, Thank You that no matter where we come from, You can use us. That no choice we make is too bad for You to redeem. Thank You for the example of redemption and obedience that Paul and Ananias are. I pray my heart will be so close to You that I will obey You no matter what. In Your name, amen.”