Calvary Pointers Morning Showers 31 August 2023 Devotional by Reverend Ajisafe Opeyemi - The Darkest Moment II
Acts 22:4-7 KJV: And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women. As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished. And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
Beloved, what was your life like before meeting Jesus? Have you been ashamed to talk about it? Maybe your sin was so dark that you haven’t even shared it with your closest friends. But consider this today, your story has a purpose.
Apostle Paul, a great author of most 9f the New Testament books of the Bible had a very dark past. He systematically hunted down Christians to have them imprisoned, and even killed!
Christ miraculously encountered Saul, literally knocking him off his horse in a flash of blinding light! He was on another journey of massive destruction when Jesus radically revealed Himself.
He was convicted of his sins, repented and transformed. Saul became Paul—a living beacon shining with the hope of the Gospel. He turned from spying and killing to teaching and preaching God’s message of redeeming love.
So, why Saul? Jesus could’ve chosen anyone to preach the Gospel, but He chose someone who was actively opposed to it! God’s purpose for Saul didn’t end with salvation or transformation. He wanted Paul to tell everyone what had happened! Jesus knew those in deep darkness often become the brightest lights.
Apostle Paul said it best: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Jesus Christ could use me as a prime example of His great patience with even the worst of sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.
God’s love has changed us. In His light, hard hearts become tender. Sinful paths are reversed, turned into lives of devotion. It happened to Paul. Did it happen to you? Yes, it happened to me! I experienced Him, I encountered the Savior of the world - Jesus is His name. Hallelujah!
God encountered you with His saving love. But Christ’s love in you isn’t meant to be kept private. Your story shines brightest when you let it spread to others, changing the spiritual landscape. Like a match struck in a dark room, your story could be the spark that illuminates someone’s vision, helping them see the burning, compassionate love of Christ.
Your story matters. Friend, pause right now and let God reassure you that despite the pain or shame you may feel about your past, God has a plan to use even your darkest moments to reach hurting people.
Sincerely pray this prayer with me, Lord, thank You for Your mercy and love at work in my life. Come and show me how my story might help others find their way into Your arms.
Thank You for Your encouragement, Lord. I want my life to glorify You in Jesus name. Amen
Good Morning!
MORNING SHOWERS Today, 31 August 2023 was written by Reverend Ajisafe Opeyemi; is the founder and Senior Pastor of Calvary Pointers Covenant Church situated at Block C, Road A, Unity Estate, Gbaga Bus Stop, by Ijede Rd, Ikorodu Lagos,Nigeria