I saw the light
God had a plan for a man named Saul. At the appointed time, Saul would become Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles. So, “What happened to change Saul into Paul?”
Born in Tarsus, a Roman capital, Saul was a Jew with Roman citizenship. His teacher was Gamaliel, a very famous Rabbi. Saul knew the Old Testament, but was also familiar with Gentile culture. He was an exemplary Jew, pious in character and zealous in faith. The High Priest gave Saul permission to arrest Christians wherever he found them.
While traveling to Damascus, suddenly a bright heavenly light shone around Saul. He came face to face with Jesus. He could literally say, “I saw the light.” Jesus later gave Saul a mission to “… carry my name to the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel” (Acts 9:15).
Paul’s life story perfectly prepared him for this task. He was both a Jew and a Roman citizen. He knew the Old Testament, but could speak as Gentiles spoke. A moral and passionate man, his life validated the Christian faith. Saul’s life story molded and shaped him for his mission.
God has a mission for you, too. Look at your own life story. What knowledge, experiences and traits has He given to you? What does that tell you about your possible mission? Connect the dots and you may have a better sense of what God is preparing you to do.
© 2009 Steven A. Lake
Dr. Steve Lake is a retired educator with over 30 years experience in the American public schools. He has served in a variety of position, including teacher, elementary school principal, junior high principal, Associate Superintendent, retired from public education as Superintendent of Schools in Lincolnwood, IL. He has his Bachelors, Masters and Doctor of Education degrees from Northern Illinois University. For the past 25 years Steve has attended and been a member of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington and Northfield, IL. At Willow Creek Steve has taught adult classes on spiritual gifts, life purpose, and spiritual disciplines. He has ministered overseas in Angola, Zambia, Honduras, Germany, and Russia. Steve is co-founder of Designed to Serve, a ministry that equips Christians to live out their unique God-given calling. Steve is married and has two adult children who are married.
