Escaping Ordinary Week 9: Wednesday

"But the Lord said, "Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.” Acts 9:15-16

When finding the right person for a position, job, or particular role, it is clear that qualification matters. Therefore, on almost any application, there will be a question asking the applicant to list relevant skills, experience, or education. While this is the case in our world today, sometimes we need a reminder that this is not the way with Jesus. Jesus constantly called the person who seemed the least qualified. He made Himself known to the unpopular and marginalized. He even called people with sordid, sinful backgrounds and invited them to carry out His message to the rest of the world. 

One of the unlikely people God used to spread the gospel was Saul. He had been on a mission to persecute Christians when God got his attention. Jesus spoke to him through a bright light and left Saul blind. Jesus told Saul to go to Damascus, where he would be told what to do. For three days, Paul waited without eating or drinking.   

While Paul was waiting for further instructions, God was on the move. He spoke to a man named Ananias. He told him to go to Saul, who at that moment was praying, and called him to lay hands on Paul so that he could have his sight again. Fearful of Paul and his anger and violence against Christians, Ananias was understandably concerned. "But Lord," he said, "I've heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to believers in Jerusalem! And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name!" (verses 13-14). God's response to Ananias that day was, "Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name's sake" (verses 15-16). God made it clear to Ananias that He uses anyone, regardless of their past and credentials, and He was going to use Paul.

Paul's story is a reminder to each one of us that God will use anyone to make Himself known and spread His message. God will use each one of us. When He calls us, He equips us with His power to make a difference. 

Moving toward action

Is there a place where you have disqualified yourself from doing something God has called you to do? What is that area? Why do you feel disqualified? How does Paul's story encourage you that you are, indeed, qualified? Turn to God and ask Him to give you courage, confidence, and the boldness to step into whatever He has called you to do.

Going Deeper

Acts 9:10-16 (NLT)