SAUL THE PERSECUTOR:
Acts 9:1-6 NKJV
[1] Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest [2] and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. [3] As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. [4] Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” [5] 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.” [6] So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
God can call anyone at any time to serve Him. What amazes me is that He often chose people who were against Him and hardened sinners to serve Him. He takes murderers, thieves, drug addicts and barons, turns their lives around and uses them for His glory! He is indeed a merciful God.
You and I may see sinners and condemn them, but when God sees the same people, He sees potential. Beloved, let us change our perspectives and embrace God’s. If God can choose Saul, an avowed persecutor, and turn him into Paul, the Apostle, He definitely can use you if you will avail yourself.
Do you see things as God sees them? His word says His ways are not our way, and His thoughts are not our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). The truth is no one is beyond the reach of God. We must be ready to reach out to anyone the Lord shows us. When it comes to witnessing, most of us find it easier to reach out to other Christians.
Today, God is calling us to reach out to the seemingly unreachable, the condemned, and even those who oppose and persecute us. This is because they are candidates for His use too. Are you ready to work with God? He will use you.