At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.
Acts 9:20-22
It is said that converts are the strongest advocates for the faith because they have most recently and sometimes vividly been changed. That is certainly the case for Saul/Paul, who becomes as zealous for Christ as he formerly was a persecutor of Christians.
What if you are not a recent convert and don’t remember having a dramatic conversion experience? Is your faith any less active or real to you and those around you? It shouldn’t be! Those who have had a relationship with God since they can remember should rejoice all the more. Our connection to Him is personal and unique to each of us. No one should compare their walk with God or how they came to faith, but share the fact with thanksgiving that He has called them.
Just as we are all different and differently gifted, all are called in different ways, some dramatically and some through normal daily life. It not how we are called that is important, only that we answer the call, in joyful obedience for what He has done for us.
Gracious God, bless us to be active servants, sharing the joy of our relationship with all our brothers and sisters. May we be the bearers of Good News to all the world. Amen.