New Year. New Beginnings.

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?” Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” (Acts 9:3-6 NIV)

When I was young, I was fortunate to be a member of a church with a strong youth group. Not only did our church hold yearly revivals, but we also had yearly youth retreats. In addition, the district of which we were a part had yearly youth revivals. It was a time of emotion and searching for direction in my life.

I often thought of Paul and those around me that seemed to have instantaneous or dramatic conversion experiences, which left them changed and with a very clear picture of what God was calling them to do. It was just not happening to me. I begin to wonder whether I was missing something.

Over the years I have come to believe that there are others with the same experience that I have had. There is a gradual growth and understanding of God and our relationship with Him. God reveals His calling for us in each event in our lives.

Paul’s personality and life as Saul prepared him for God’s calling to his life as Paul. My personality and life prepare me each day to face the opportunities that God will put before me tomorrow. How I respond, tells others and me whether my life is really different because I know Jesus.

Prayer

God. help me to see, hear, and feel what you what me to observe and then respond in a way that pleases you and brings you praise and a smile to your face.

This devotional was written by Alvin Jenkins and read by Donn King.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.