he was right ! He was obsessed with putting a stop to Jesus followers . He would have them imprisoned and even some killed in the name of protecting what he believed .
But on the road to Damascus , he “ saw the light ” and it changed his perspective – and his future . The Apostle Paul became one of Heaven ’ s heroes . He planted many churches in his day and wrote half of the New Testament .
What changes people ’ s perceptions , causing them to see differently ? People see light because of others ’ prayers . Paul boldly told King Agrippa , “ I saw a light from heaven .” Acts 26:12 .
And that is what happens when we pray for others . Paul had two relatives named Andronicus and Junia who I believe prayed for him . Paul called them people who were outstanding among the apostles and also “ in Christ before me ” Romans 16:7 .
People see the light when God ’ s principles are shared .
Jesus appeared in that light and told Paul , “ Now get up and stand on your feet . I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of Me .”
God needs us to serve in ways that help people understand that He stands for what is best for their lives ! When God ’ s truth is presented with clarity and compassion , hearts are drawn to its life-giving influence personally and societally .
People see the light through our practices .
Jesus gave Paul his mission in life . It was “ to open their eyes and turn people from darkness to light , and the power of Satan to God .”
We really haven ’ t done all we can do until we have opened others ’ eyes . We can ’ t choose for others – but our actions certainly affect whether people choose God ’ s way . So let ’ s pray fervently , share God ’ s truth faithfully and serve people ’ s best interests in love !
Jim Graff is a dynamic pastor / leader who is a gifted communicator . He pastors Faith Family Church , a vibrant congregation of 4,000 in Victoria , Texas — named one of America ’ s Outstanding Protestant Churches in a national study done by the University of North Carolina . He has served the Faith Family for 30 years . Under his leadership , it has grown from 300 to 4,000 people in a city of only 60,000 . His passion to help people win has won him the honor and respect of his community , who recently voted him the second most influential person in their thirteen-county area .
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