Respond to the Call

And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. (Acts 9:3-6)

Up to this point in Acts, Saul had been an enemy of the church. He was violently arresting Christians, taking everything from them, and doing so legally with the approval of the community leaders. However, despite the depth of evil that gripped him, God still had a plan for Saul’s life.

The church was, without a doubt, praying during this time of persecution. Specifically, they were praying for the opposition leader and calling out his name in prayer. The incident recorded in Acts 9 was likely in answer to the prayers of the church.

During this encounter near Damascus, God showed Saul His glory; Saul fell to the earth, and God called him by name. God has called us all by name; however, whether we respond or not is up to us. Saul, on the ground, shocked and blind, answered back with an immediate question: “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” Saul acknowledged that Jesus was Lord when he addressed Him that way. Then, Paul agreed to God’s call and to do whatever it took.  

Do you respond the same way when God speaks or shows up in your life unexpectedly? We must embrace God’s "unexpected moments” and respond to His call with a, “Yes, Lord.” We must know He plans to bring about His will, even when we don’t see it coming.

Practical Application

When God speaks, we should have a “Yes, Lord” ready on our lips to obey Him fully, even when we don’t understand completely. Follow God’s instructions, even when the path is not clear, having faith that He will guide you step by step.

Acts 9:4; 1 Samuel 3:10

When You Are Persecuted

And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. (Acts 9:1-2)

Saul was breathing out threatenings. He was zealous about his persecution. He was harsh and religious about it. Paul was the most dangerous persecutor because he believed his actions were proper. Saul was consumed by his hatred, which became his whole life. Saul’s hatred was not limited to Jerusalem; he sought authorization from the High Priest to extend his persecution to Damascus, showing his relentless pursuit to capture and bring Christians back to Jerusalem for legal persecution.

Persecution is not foreign to believers. Jesus promised us that persecution would happen because of our faith. Yet, amid persecution, God still has a plan. When believers follow the Holy Spirit, we can be assured that in persecution, God will give us opportunities to speak a Word in faith that changes others; God will provide us with peace amid persecution and calm in the presence of chaos.

When you suffer persecution, make sure to pray for your persecutors and make decisions based on the peace of God, not the pressure that is coming against you. Watch as God turns the persecution around to your benefit.

Practical Application

When you feel like you are being persecuted because of your faith, don’t retaliate in anger and vengeance. Purpose to pause, pray, and be led by God’s peace. Pray for those who persecute you and believe that God can use even this situation for your good.

Matthew 10:19; Galatians 1:13

Praying for Leaders

For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. (1 Timothy 2:2)

Some believers use 1 Timothy 2:2 to pray only about the current sitting president. While believers should pray for the president, that person is only one of many leaders in authority in our lives. The term “all” that Paul wrote encompasses everyone in positions of influence, including those who run school systems and local governments. It also includes anyone with a following (even on social media) and other institutions that affect others.

Praying for leaders is vital for believers because it invites God’s wisdom into their decision-making processes. We pray for leaders because we believe that God can influence the hearts and minds of those in positions of authority. Believers have the authority to intercede on behalf of our communities and nations. When we pray, we bring about significant change and invite God’s intervention.

Our prayers open doors for divine opportunities to give us the freedom to live a life of godliness and honesty. Godliness is living a life according to God’s principles and according to His Word. On the other hand, honesty speaks to our integrity and willingness to speak the Word without being silenced.

The power of prayer is abundantly evident as it shapes our lives and the realm of influence around us. Prayer is not just a ritual religious act. It is a powerful tool that allows us to connect with God and be used by God to enact change. When we pray for our leaders, God uses us to enforce His will on earth as in heaven.

Practical Application

What leaders and influential people is the Holy Spirit putting on your heart to pray for today? Ask Him to show you leaders you don’t usually pray for and spend time interceding on their behalf.

Proverbs 24:21; Luke 1:6