Unstoppable! 'Even If It Means a Cross' — Acts 9:15-16

Saturday, May 13, 2023

[Since Saul was persecuting Christians, Ananias was concerned that God wanted him to go share the message of Jesus with Saul.] But the Lord said, "Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name's sake."

— Acts 9:15-16 NLT

Key Thought

Saul's calling from God was not only a holy mission but also a dangerous one. Just as Saul had inflicted suffering on many who loved Jesus, he would also suffer similar persecutions after he proclaimed Jesus as Lord and Messiah. While the message of Jesus was unstoppable, many opposed it. Saul, later known as Paul, experienced opposition, abuse, and martyrdom, but not before he took the Good News of Jesus to many places, including Rome (Acts 28:28-31). Paul was ready to suffer and face torture for his mission and for the sake of those who had never heard of God's grace in Jesus. From hunter to hunted, from persecutor to persecuted, this man Ananias baptized into Christ (Acts 9:18) completely changed the orientation of his life. In the process, he changed the world!

Today's Prayer

O Father, use my life to show Jesus to others. O Holy Spirit, give me courage as I embrace God's call on my life. O Jesus, use me to touch and bless people to bring them to you. I ask this for your glory and so others might receive grace. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Acts 20:20-24; 2 Timothy 4:6-8
  • Philippians 1:17-25

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 9:15-16 NLT — [Since Saul was persecuting Christians, Ananias was concerned that God wanted him to go share the message of Jesus with Saul.] But the Lord said, "Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name's sake."

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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