Opportunities for the Gospel

Press the play button to watch the video above or press 'more' to read the transcript of the daily devotion below. Please read Acts 22:3-22 (use your own Bible or use the link above to access the in-App Bible).

I wonder how you first heard about Jesus and his love for you? Perhaps, like me, you grew up in a Christian home and heard about Jesus from family members. Or perhaps, you came to faith through the witness of another Christian. However we came to faith, our stories are precious because they tell of God’s work in our lives.

In today’s reading, Paul tells his story about how he came to believe in Jesus. We also read about Ananias who helps Paul as he starts out on his faith journey. We can see God’s hand on both men’s lives as they respond obediently to God.

Beginning with Paul, we see him battered, standing in chains, surrounded by a riotous mob of Jews and perplexed Roman soldiers. Grasping this opportunity, Paul tells his story. He explains how he grew up in Jerusalem as a well-educated Jew. He understands how his listeners feel because he too had been zealous for God and had even approved of the death of Stephen. Longing for his listeners to believe, he describes how his life had been transformed by his encounter with Jesus.

Whilst our experiences of coming to faith may differ from Paul’s, we can be encouraged by his example. Paul told his story simply in a way that his hearers could understand. We too are called to share our stories of knowing Jesus. We can learn from Ananias’ example too. He obeyed God and helped Paul significantly. He prayed for his healing, affirmed that God had called him, encouraged him to be baptised, and know that he was forgiven.

Who can you share your story with? Who can you pray for today?

Let us pray: Heavenly father, we thank you that you are at work in our world and in our lives. We pray for opportunities to tell others about Jesus and to welcome those new to faith into our church families. Amen