Suddenly
Acts 9:3As he journeyed he came near Damascus,
and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven.
Traveling the road to Damascus, Saul was unwavering in his determination to persecute anyone he found proclaiming to be followers of Christ.
To anyone aware of Saul's steadfast mission, any change in his belief looked impossible. As he lived his life with this single minded quest, he seemed to be unstoppable. That is, until heaven reached down to change his life forever.
As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light
shone around him from heaven.
Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him,
"Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?"
And he said, "Who are You, Lord?" then the Lord said, "I am
Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick
against the goads." __Acts 9:4-5
In an instant Saul's life changed from persecuting Christians to falling on his face before Jesus, proclaiming Him as Lord.
As I read this, I couldn't help but think of my loved ones who have yet to accept Jesus as their personal Savior. As I consider their lives, it seems impossible they will ever bend their knee.
But then I remember; Jesus is the same today as He was on that day Saul walked toward Damascus. Saul certainly didn't expect his life to be changed forever, his calling to be one of proclaiming Christ as Lord, as he started walking that morning. And it's just as likely our loved ones don't expect their lives to be changed. But, suddenly a light shone. And just as quickly the Lord can touch our loved one's heart, and they, too, can be changed forever.
Let's decide this day to never say never, but instead walk in the Truth that when Christ is in control all things are possible. Let's walk with anticipation for that day when suddenly our loved ones see Christ, proclaiming Him as Lord.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence
of things not seen. __Hebrews 11:1
The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count
slackness, but is long suffering toward us, not willing that any
should perish but that all should come to repentance.
__2 Peter 3:9
