US columnist CAROL ROUND, in an article first published on ASSIST News Service, looks at what the story of Paul teaches us about looking for guidance to God in our daily walk…
Grove, Oklahoma, US
Via ASSIST News Service
PICTURE: Timothy Eberly/Unsplash
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?…What do You want me to do?” – Acts 9:3-6 (NKJV).
Most of us are familiar with the story of Saul, the persecutor of Christians. After being struck down on the road to Damascus, he was used by God and eventually became the apostle, Paul.
Paul discovered God’s Gospel truth and God’s will for his life. He then spent the rest of his days spreading the message of the Good News and planting churches throughout the Mediterranean world.
“The apostle determined God’s will for his life with one important question: ‘What do You want me to do, Lord?’ It’s the question every one of Christ’s followers should be asking.”
The apostle determined God’s will for his life with one important question: “What do You want me to do, Lord?” It’s the question every one of Christ’s followers should be asking.
Paul never stopped asking the Acts 9:6 question. However, too many of us give God our orders for the day and ask Him to bless us, take care of our loved ones, and meet our needs.
I wonder what would happen if all Christians began the day with, “Lord, what do you want me to do today?”
Would we see less strife in our lives? In our churches and communities? And in the world? What if we set aside our agendas and to-do-lists and checked in with our Lord each morning with that one important question?
Throughout our lives, we ask questions. I recall enrolling in college in 1971. My advisor asked me several questions, including one of the most important ones: “Have you chosen a major? Replying to this life-changing choice, I said, “Elementary education.” However, I hadn’t consulted anyone, let alone God. At age 17, I believed I was making the right choice for me.
Looking back, I know God intervened that day. After I announced my college major, my advisor replied. “Carol, there are so many entering that field, you are going to have a tough time finding a job after graduation.”
The next question, and my answer, determined my future. When he asked about my favourite school subject, I didn’t hesitate: “English.” This one conversation led to what I know without a doubt was led by God. It was the Lord who set me on the right path.
Paul wasn’t on the right path. His murderous ways required a wake-up call from God. What lesson can we learn from this life-changing event? Power comes from our Heavenly Father. We are only a vessel. When God calls a person to a task, He equips that person for it.
Just like He equipped Saul to become Paul the apostle, He equips us for the calling He has placed on us. While I had spent my teenage years working with young children, God had a better plan. My years of teaching highschool and the doors God opened for me to share the Gospel message was not part of my plan. But God knew.
Shouldn’t we be asking the same question as Paul? What if we kept asking Him what He would have us do that day, what He would have us do through Him for others. He will equip us if we’re willing to ask.
