|
"Now it happened, as I journeyed and came near Damascus at about noon, suddenly a great light from heaven shone around me."
(Acts 22:6)
Everyone enjoys a good story. Most of the time, I have on the lamp table beside my bed a biography or an autobiography. It is my favorite genre to read. I am currently reading the story of Missionary John Paton, whom I referenced in Monday's devotion. In the 1800s, Paton served the Lord on the New Hebrides Islands (today called Vanuatu). The inhabitants of these islands were known for their savagery and cannibalism. I can't imagine going and preaching the Gospel to a people group who would rather eat you than listen to what you have to say! But the story is such a powerful one of God's protection over Paton's life and the amazing ways God saved many. The Gospel was firmly planted among a people who once walked in great darkness but were changed by the glorious salvation provided only by Jesus Christ.
I was converted while a ministerial student in college. Now, I know that sounds a bit strange to some reading this devotion today. When I get to heaven, if God tells me that I was converted as a 6 year-old, then I will praise Him. If He tells me that I was converted as a 19 year-old, then I will praise Him. I do know that when I asked God to save me when I was in college, I felt the peace of God come over my life. My doubts regarding my salvation dispersed, and I had this incredible peace come over my soul. I did not want to go through life questioning or wondering if I was truly saved. I encourage people who are doubting to really do some soul searching and work out their salvation with fear and trembling, as Paul writes in Philippians 2:12. I desire for everyone to know beyond any doubt that your eternal soul will be in heaven and not hell. Eternity is not to be taken lightly!
Many followers of Jesus today were converted as children. I firmly believe that God saves children who repent of their sins and turn to Him in faith. Scripture and church history provide examples of this happening. I love to hear stories like this. Those saved at an early age and discipled are empowered to walk through those challenging teenage years with victory over sin. As I have said before, if you came to faith in Christ as a child, be very thankful to God for Christian parents or grandparents who prayed diligently for you and helped introduce you to Jesus at an early age.
Paul began telling his fellow Jews how he came to know Jesus in Acts 22:5. I love those first three words, "Now it happened." In next week's devotions, we will examine Paul's conversion and be blessed in his recounting of his day of days—the time when Jesus Christ saved his soul. It makes me reflect upon that day when God saved me. I do not have the same type of experience that Paul had in hearing Jesus speak to me audibly. But here is what is so amazing: the same Jesus who saved Paul saved me. If you know the Lord, then the same can be said of you and your salvation. I call this your SB, your spiritual birthday!
Do you have a testimony of what your life was like before Christ, how He saved you, and how He is guiding you today? If not, the Bible says, if you call upon the Lord to save you, He will (see Romans 10:9, 13). Also, please reach out to someone that you know loves Jesus and cares for you. Ask them to help you come to know the Lord so that you too can experience the joy of salvation and have a story to tell others.
|
Apple
Spotify
Stitcher
YouTube
