Peace be with you
Acts 9:3 Now as he traveled on, he came near to Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him, …verse15 But the Lord said to him, Go, for this man is a chosen instrument of Mine to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the descendants of Israel;
The Bible tells us that Saul persecuted Jesus disciples who preached the Good News after Jesus ascended to heaven. On his way to Damascus with other men he experienced something that changed his life. He was 1) struck by the lightning, 2) he heard the voice of Jesus, 3) he became blind, 4) he fasted for 3 days after which his sight was restored, and 5) he got baptized and few days later he began telling people that Jesus saves. The men he travelled with did not experience what happened to Saul.
v.15 says that Saul had a special assignment. No wonder Saul (who was later called Paul) travelled many cities carrying (bearing, proclaiming) the Name of Jesus. The circumstances around his calling left no room for excuses not to preach the Good News.
I believe you have your own story of an encounter with God. Your testimony might be different from Paul, however you also have an assignment. This is a very long journey but it was long for Paul and other Jesus’ disciples, yet they made a mark. This journey is full of trials and temptations but that does not diminish the plan of God about your life. Paul and other disciples were persecuted to death, today’s challenges are different from theirs but the mandate remains the same. You are called by God, put aside all limitations, and fulfill God’s assignment.
God bless you
Nontobeko Machi
Amen, Hallelujah