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

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

[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

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

6 Related Resources by Heartlight

God's Chosen Instrument
Devo: Unstoppable!
"But the Lord said [to Ananias], "Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of..."
Stretching for Our Gods
Article by Patrick D. Odum
What are you willing to sacrifice to achieve or find? Patrick Odum reminds us that to grow we have to stretch, reach, and sacrifice but that is more than worth the effort because Jesus gives us back far more than we can ever give.
For All People
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Precious Believer, You were saved by grace when you fully trusted Me and participated in what I did to save you. This truth was the message that..."
Treacherous Travels
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Follower of The Way, Paul's path to Rome was difficult. First, he faced a series of legal hearings before he even left for Rome. Then, he faced...."
See All 6 Related Resources about Acts 9:15-16

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."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Job 38:31
"If inclined to boast of our abilities, the grandeur of nature may soon show us how puny we are. We cannot move the least of all the twinkling stars,....."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Pray and Fear God and You’ll Have True Rewards'
"And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Praise the Lord'
"Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; celebrate his lovely name with music."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by C. S. Lewis:
"God, who needs nothing, loves into existence wholly superfluous creatures in order that he may love and perfect them."

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.

More Unstoppable!