So I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Arise and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all things which are appointed for you to do.’ And since I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of those who were with me, I came into Damascus. “Then a certain Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good testimony with all the Jews who dwelt there, came to me; and he stood and said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And at that same hour I looked up at him. Then he said, ‘The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth. For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’
Acts 22:10-16 NKJV
The story of Saul, whose name later became Paul, shows us that transformation is possible. It does not matter what a person has done or the length of time. God is interested in the salvation of every man. Saul’s zeal, now redirected, fueled his new mission as Paul, the Apostle. He immediately began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. He astonished those who knew of his former reputation. Paul’s transformation was not just a change of heart but a complete redirection of his life’s purpose. His intense dedication remained. However, he channelled it towards spreading the gospel.
Furthermore, Paul embarked on numerous missionary journeys. He wrote letters that would become significant texts of the New Testament. His epistles contain profound practical guidance for Christian living. Paul’s testimony became a powerful tool in his ministry, demonstrating the grace and mercy of God. Paul often shared his story as a testimony to God’s transformative power.
“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus”.
1 Timothy 1:12-14 NIV
So, Paul’s life serves as a testament that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. His transformation from a zealous persecutor to a devoted apostle confirms the message that anyone, regardless of their past, can be redeemed and used powerfully for God’s purposes.
Thus, God wants to change your story drastically. Don’t continue in the path of the ungodly. Allow the Damascus encounter today. Allow God to meet you on that road of sin so that your own story will be a testimony to others. Moreover, God specialises in turning ashes into beauty. Your life can birth something tangible for God only if you will yield yourself to Him. Paul could have been adamant; however, he embraced the plans and purposes of God for his life. He went to the ends of the earth to proclaim the gospel with a zeal that nothing could take away.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:35-39 NIV
God orchestrated Paul’s transformation, and He can do the same in your life.
