Tuesday 29th October 2019 Prayer Devotion
Scripture Reading:- Acts 9:1-22
Topic:- Change Your Plan In Damascus
Text:- Acts 9:6
Paul’s story changed as he about to enter Damascus. Paul had no choice but to fall onto his knees. He knew that his only recourse was to yield his life and to give his very being to the true authority.
As he was about to enter Damascus, God took care of Paul’s pride. It is very hard for humans to admit when they are wrong. It took a bright light searing into Paul’s eyes, to the very core of his being to show him that he was wrong.
Paul’s traveling companions had witnessed the bright light, had heard the rumblings in the air, and had seen Paul fall prostrate on the ground. They did not know that Paul had seen Christ and conversed with Him. However they did know that Paul now appeared to be blind and needed to be taken in hand, and guided into Damascus by hand and voice like a common beggar.
Now being punished by God, because of his persecution of His followers. He had expected to be greeted with applause and honor by the local High Priest. Instead he was groping about in darkness and being led by the hand as he sought out those that he was originally going to persecute.
Paul and his men found the home of a Disciple of Christ named Judas. There, he was received in peace but remained in seclusion.
Imagine fear that was in Judas when he learned that he was going to harbor the famous persecutor within the walls of his house. Completely broken and repentant in spirit, he immersed himself in reflection and heartfelt prayer.
Now he understood their attitude of peace. Now he knew why Stephen gladly suffered all the pain from the stones thrown at him. He now understood that the Messiah that he and many Jews were waiting for, had already arrived and His name is Jesus Christ.
For three days? The spirit of Paul was tested. He fasted and prayed and reflected. He was in complete darkness. At the end of his period of trial, the Lord answered him and directed him to His Church so that the Church could show him his new course.
Paul embarked on a new mission in life. A life that was to be filled with much physical danger, but also a life of joy and peace in his soul.
So, how does the story of Paul apply to us today? Christ took a man that was determined to stamp out Christianity and turned him into a warrior for Christianity.
Most of us consider ourselves intelligent people. So, why do we fight against someone that is more intelligent and much more powerful than us? We should acknowledge the folly of our ways and submit ourselves to the Lord.
If we continue to fight against the Lord we do so at our own peril and will forfeit an eternity of peace and joy. We will lose the honor and the clean white garment and golden crown that awaits us.
Just as Paul did we need to immerse ourselves in prayer and let the one true light penetrate the darkest recesses of our mind and soul. We need the voice of authority to lead us and empower us.
We should become a more willing vessel of the Lord, then He will touch our eyes to give us sight. He will bathe us in His light and guide us through the vast wasteland that belongs to Satan. And just as Ananias willingly went where the Lord directed. So too must we be willing to go where directed by the Lord.
Prayer Points:
1. Oh Lord my God! Where You sent me, help me to obey, in the name of Jesus Christ.
2. Oh Lord God! Empower me to work for You in total submission, in the name of Jesus Christ.
3. Oh Lord my God! Help me to focus my attention on Your directive and never to deviate in following You, in the name of Jesus Christ.
4. Oh Lord my God! Use me mightily to glorify Your name, and that many will know You through me, in the name of Jesus Christ.
5. I command every agent of the devil that may hinder Your glory in my life, catch fire, in the name of Jesus Christ.
Have A Wonderful Tuesday! www.timogundelejesu.com
