I often think about the biblical transformation of Saul the Christian persecutor who had a divine appointment with Jesus while on the Damascus road. The meeting was so profound that Saul the Persecutor would later transform into Paul the Preacher from one brief encounter.
Imagine walking for days on a mission to persecute and kill Christians both men, women and children, with an entourage of your “Boys” feeding into your already superior mindset. Only miles outside the Damascus city gates, while heart pounding and a sense of grandiose mentality that causes a smile to brush across Saul’s face, imagining himself already tasting the thrill of the innocent blood that he would spill.
But…He had a Jesus encounter that left him prostrate on the ground & his entourage with their mouths open in disbelief and a fear that caused the strongest of a man to become weak. Jesus’ radiance was so brilliant that Saul was blind when he got up from the ground and now he had to be led by the hand by members of his traveling team into the city gates. He was blinded for 3 days and had not eaten or drank anything during this time frame. Alone, in his blindness & deep in thought he had time to re-evaluate his life and what was in his heart. He knew that something in him had changed therefore he would never be the same again! Can you imagine Saul’s entourage talking among themselves trying to figure out what had happened to him? Also they were confirming between themselves the voice from Heaven they heard but never saw anyone? Yet, now even more confused because they had to explain why this man Ananias, the disciple, would come to Saul the persecutor of Christians and lay hands on him and after that particles like scales fell from Saul’s eyes. At that moment he was able to see in the natural but more importantly he had a new vision in the spiritual realm. After that encounter Saul knew he had been chosen not to kill but to build up the Kingdom of God! Never to be called Saul again but Paul the Apostle. (note: the name change did not happen on the Damascus Rd but the change to Paul came later as noticed in the 13th chapter of Acts) You cannot have an appointment with Jesus and not walk away changed.
If you have ever been on your Damascus Road & God changed you and saved you from yourself please share your conversion story in the comments. We want this to be a blessing to all that might read this blog. In these times when God’s people are struggling while trying to stand firm in the midst of, we need to hear encouragement that God is still able to fix any situation and turn things around for our good and His glory. Your testimony may be the breakthrough that others are waiting on. Let’s share what the Lord has done so that He can get the glory and His people can be blessed. Love you all!
Gwin Minter