GOD WILL HANDLE IT

• DAY 332
• FEAR FILE: PAUL
• SCRIPTURES: ACTS 9:1-5

Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 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. As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” 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.”

ACTS 9:1-5

The story of Paul and how he turned from Saul to Paul is quite popular. He was one of the most notable persecutors of believers in his day and he was committed to eradicating this faith we now, so boldly, profess. He was an accomplice in the death of Saint Stephen and because of his dedication, believers were scattered abroad. In our text, he requested letters from the Jewish high priest so that he could be permitted and supported to completely annihilate the believers of The Way (Christians) in Damascus. It’s like getting a letter to operate in a state or country in which you have no jurisdiction.

On his way, an amazing thing happened. Jesus confronted him and said, “Why are you persecuting me?” He had no idea that this risen Jesus was actually real, he was sure these believers were blaspheming. However, the light before him was proof they weren’t and the blindness he experienced afterward was evidence of a resurrected saviour. This murderer ended up an apostle who, by the spirit, wrote 13 books in the Bible we read today.

But as amazing as Paul’s conversion was, it was both comfort and a solution for the people he was terrorizing. His threats and that of others drove them out of their homes and he still came looking for them. To their credit, they didn’t let the persecution stop them from witnessing. Wherever they went, they shared the gospel of Christ, no matter how afraid they may have felt. Yet, these threats were a huge problem. So Paul’s salvation meant that they could breathe freely once again.

A Solution

While they ran for their lives and hid where they could, they had no idea that God had a plan to save them from this one terrorizer. And Saul’s conversion, which was a miracle for the body of Christ, was a solution for them. God saved and delivered them from their fear. Saul’s conversion didn’t end persecution, but it showed them that Jesus was with them in this.

Beloved God has a plan for everything that is coming for you. You have to trust Him to handle the threats, the naysayers, the persecutors that have set themselves against you, that person who stole your business idea, and the one that cheated you. Remember that as long as God is with you, He takes everything that comes against you as an attack against Him. He takes it personally. You might hide from time to time but don’t let it affect your faith. Jesus is heading to Damascus.

Take a moment and speak peace over your heart this moment. Ask the Lord to send His angels to respond to everyone who has set themselves against you and against His name. May the judgment of the Lord visit them. In Jesus’ name.

P.S. If you are in the habit of talking down people who are doing the work of the gospel, know this: it is the one who sent them you are attacking not them.

Shalom.