Devotional - July 3, 2004

Paul's conversion was one that many people questioned until they saw his faith in action. And rightly so; wasn't he the one responsible for the persecution and death of many believers?

At one time Paul was charged by the Jewish religionists with finding and bringing the followers of Jesus to "justice." It seems ironic that when he returned to Jerusalem after so many successful missionary campaigns for the Lord, he would stand and defend himself before Jewish legalists - the same radicals who falsely tried Jesus and had him crucified. (Re: Acts 22)

Like the other apostles, Paul was caught between the expectation of the the Lord and that of the Jewish leaders, most of whose hearts were hardened to the Gospel. But it didn't stop him from preaching the truth. He preached to them, but he wouldn't be intimidated by the religious excuses of the Jews. Some of them received the Gospel and some didn't. But today, we know Paul as the one mostly responsible for starting most of the first century churches that subsequently spread the Gospel to the world.

What would inspire someone to make such a radical course change in their life? Well, it was his encounter with the Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus that inspired him. When the bright light shown around him, Paul and those with him saw it, but he was the only one blinded by it and the only one who heard what God said. In effect, when God called Paul, he did it privately even though others experienced God's movement.

Has God spoken to you? God may not have called you like He did Paul, but you probably share at least one thing in common with his experience. Whether through Scripture or an impression of the Holy Spirit, you received a word from the Lord that no one else can verify. It's called "revelation" and many times it's the very thing that inspires men and women to give their lives in service to the Lord.

If you've heard a "word" from God, make certain it was God's voice you heard. Many are living a life of frustration, in their life and in the life of those they serve, because their revelation contradicts the truth of Scripture. Understand this: God will never contradict His word.

You can save yourself a lot of misery by never allowing your experience to carry the same weight as God's word. Instead, validate what you "hear" with Scriptural truth, using the Holy Spirit to confirm it. And don't expect anyone else to support your revelation. Remember, God's call is private and there's only one person's confirmation you need and should seek. His Name is Jehovah-shammah and it's only his validation that should matter.

1 Developed from Read the Bible Thru ( 2 Ki. 22:4-23:30 Ac. 21:37-22:16 Ps. 1:1-6 Pr. 18:11-12 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society