God has a Purpose for your Trials

As we all walk along life’s bumpy road we all have made mistakes, I know I haven't always been as devoted to the christian walk as I should have been through the years so Im sure you have had similar experiences through your daily walk. I recently had a co-worker mention about his pastor testifying for an extended period of time, this made him think about what life’s road had taken him through and what his testimony would be like. he seemed disheartened about the obstacles he had during his life, I offered him the story of a true transformation, Saul who became known as Paul after his transformation. Saul was said to a member of the Sanhedrin, a Pharisee and a Son of a Pharisee one of the most strict religious groups in Jewish culture at the time. Saul is first read about in Acts chapter 7. in this chapter we see the gruesome death of Stephen, at the hands of Saul. as we continue we see that Saul Continues to persecute the church of Christ, he obtains the blessings from the High Priest to send the christians to prison and send them to an eventual death. However God had other plans for Saul, Saul decided he was going to damascus to bound the christians and bring them back to jerusalem to stand trial. On the road to Damascus as he neared the city, Saul had a close experience with God. A great light surrounded Saul and he fell to the earth and heard a voice, the Son of God saying “Why are you prosecuting me Saul?” Saul trembling and astonished from the experience asked him “What shall I do?” Jesus said for him to go to the city and it will be told of you what to do. when the Saul got up he couldn't see, his group had to lead him into the city. Meanwhile God was working in the heart of Ananias and he instructed him to go to see Paul, Ananias was obviously skeptical of going to Saul because of his reputation, so he questioned God but God told him of the great work he will do for the Church. After Ananias spoke to Saul and through the power of God Healed him and them baptized him. Saul was a changed Man! so changed that he eventually went by the name Paul. Paul has a true Testimony the one who persecuted the church eventually became a strong part of the early church. Paul went forward to preach to the gentiles of God’s saving Grace. If this story doesn't get you excited then something is wrong. this story goes to show you that God can use anything in life to bring him Glory! Paul became a strong witness for Christ because of his past, He was “one of those guys” he saw the power of God and How he missed the mark in the beginning, but God used those events to build Paul’s Testimony. So the next time you get down in faith think about Paul and how you to have the opportunity to Glorify God through your past. Life is not about where you have been its about where your headed. Make the Best of the path God has Given you to walk, and Glorify him every chance you get. May God Bless you today!