Unstoppable! 'Blinded by the Light' — Acts 22:11

Saturday, October 21, 2023

[Paul continued his defense before the hostile crowd in Jerusalem and described what happened to him on the road to Damascus:] "I was blinded by the intense light and had to be led by the hand to Damascus by my companions."

— Acts 22:11 NLT

Key Thought

Any of us who has been in total darkness, then had someone shine a bright light into her or his eyes, knows the feeling. "Turn out that light! I can't see, and it hurts my eyes!" In Paul's situation, being blinded by the light was not just being stunned, blinded, and frozen physically. What Paul — who was called Saul at that time — heard and saw shook him to the core of his existence. He had been overwhelmingly wrong about Jesus. Now, in a few seconds that occurred as he traveled down the road to persecute Christians, Jesus rerouted Paul's life emotionally, spiritually, and physically. The decisive and passionate but misguided servant of God was frozen, not sure of what he needed to do. Thankfully, Paul did what he was told and allowed those with him to lead him to Damascus, where Ananias told him of the path God wanted him to follow. What am I willing to do when I realize that I have been wrong about something or someone?

Today's Prayer

O Father, I invite the Holy Spirit to rouse me from my lethargy and slumber. I want the Spirit to partner with me and make me more passionate to share Jesus and love him at any cost. In Jesus' name and for his glory, I live and pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Galatians 1:13-24
  • Acts 26:9-18

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 22:11 NLT — [Paul continued his defense before the hostile crowd in Jerusalem and described what happened to him on the road to Damascus:] "I was blinded by the intense light and had to be led by the hand to Damascus by my companions."

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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