“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
— Acts 1:8
Every Christian wants to live a life that matters, a life marked by transformation, purpose, and power. Acts 1:8 gives us a picture of that kind of life, one that changes lives, communities, and the world. And most importantly, we don’t do it for applause, approval, or platforms. We do it for Jesus Christ.
The Apostle Paul is one of the greatest examples of a life radically changed by Jesus. His story, found throughout Acts, reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace and no one is too far gone to be used for His glory.
1. Envision
Before Paul was Paul, he was Saul, a man full of zeal but blind to the truth. He had big dreams and big plans. But God had a better vision.
“As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’”
— Acts 9:3-4
Saul had the best education, dual citizenship, and was climbing the religious ladder. But he was sincere and sincerely wrong. He thought his works could earn him favor with God. But the gospel isn’t spelled D-O; it’s spelled D-O-N-E. Jesus did for us what we could never do for ourselves.
You may think you’re just a teacher, coach, engineer, or parent, but God sees a chosen vessel.
2. Revision
God didn’t just change Saul’s direction. He changed his heart. A believer named Ananias was told by God to go to Saul and pray for him. Even though he was afraid, he obeyed.
“Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.”
— Acts 9:15
Paul received a new vision and was filled with the Holy Spirit. The scales fell from his eyes, physically and spiritually. That’s what Jesus does. He helps us see clearly.
That’s why baptism is so powerful. It’s not what saves us, but it’s a public declaration that the old is gone and the new has come.
3. Division
When Jesus changes your life, not everyone will understand. Paul went from being the persecutor to the preacher, and the Jews plotted to kill him.
“Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him.”
— Acts 9:24
Following Jesus means walking into spiritual conflict. But there’s purpose in the pain. Your greatest ministry often comes from your greatest misery. And when others turn on you, God will bring a Barnabas to walk beside you. You are not meant to live this life alone.
4. Provision
Sometimes the most powerful people in the kingdom aren’t the ones up front. They’re the ones holding the rope.
“But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall.”
— Acts 9:25
We don’t know the names of the people who helped Paul escape that night. But because they held the rope, the gospel kept moving forward. Someone made the basket. Someone tied the rope. Someone opened the window. Someone held on.
No matter how ordinary your gift seems, if you give it to God, He’ll use it in extraordinary ways. There’s no limit to what God can do through you when you live your life for Jesus Christ.
Final Challenge
Have you had your Damascus Road moment? Have you stopped kicking against God’s prompting and fully surrendered your life to Him?
“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.”
— 1 Timothy 1:15
Paul’s story reminds us that it’s never too late to change. If God can use someone like Saul, He can use you. If you’re ready to take your next step, fill out a Connection Card. We would love to pray with you, baptize you, or help you get connected.