Saul was on his way to Damascus when a light from heaven shone around him causing him to fall to the ground.
And then, Saul’s (later known as Paul) first conversation with Jesus happened … before he knew him personally.
“We love because he first loved us.”
I John 4:18
Jesus initiated, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” (Acts 9:4)
Saul responded, “”Who are you Lord?” (Acts 9:5) Saul, the enemy of the disciples of Jesus, the one breathing murderous threats against them, immediately recognized the voice of Jesus and called him “Lord”. May I be so quick to recognize when Jesus initiates towards me!
“I am Jesus … rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” (Acts 9:5, 6)
Saul got up. His eyes were open, but he saw nothing. He was blind for three days. His traveling companions also heard the voice but saw no-one; they were totally flummoxed as they led Saul by the hand the rest of the journey to Damascus.
Enter Ananias, God’s chosen one to deliver the message of Saul’s destiny to him:
- He is a chosen instrument of mine.
2. He will carry my name to both Jews and Gentiles.
3. There will be suffering.
Acts 9:15, 16
In his writings Paul (formerly Saul) refers to other hardships.
In his letter to the Corinthian church Paul refers to his thorn in the flesh that he begged for the Lord to remove. (II Corinthians 12:7, 8) Wikipedia describes a ‘thorn in the flesh’ as a phrase of New Testament origin speaking of a chronic infirmity, an annoyance, or trouble. Pretty accurate, I’d say.
In Paul’s letter to the Galatians, he says, “See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand.” (Galatians 6:11)
As I read and ponder Paul’s story of his temporary blindness and other issues, what am I hearing, how am I responding?
I wonder …
Did Paul’s eye issues continue after his sight was restored?
I think about our story …
Bill’s blind spots don’t seem to be temporary, but they are spots, not total blindness like Paul’s.
Like Paul, Bill is a chosen instrument to bring God’s message of grace and freedom.
Like Paul, Bill’s Naion (blind spots) are part of his story.
As I review my journal and the words God has spoken to me, I believe Bill’s Naion has not altered these truths.
Both of us have valuable and indispensable contributions in God’s story.
As we live those out, we encourage others to live out their stories as well.
God’s purposes for us individually are not compromised in the ‘we’.
As a matter of fact, I believe they shine.
“the LORD opens the eyes of the blind.
The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down;
the LORD loves the righteous.”
Psalm 146:8
“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh.
Is anything to hard for me?”
Jeremiah 32:27
I am continuing to pray that God will restore Bill’s vision.
“‘But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you,
my power is made perfect in weakness.’
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of weaknesses,
so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
II Corinthians 12:7
This is the third in the series of our Naion journey. Scroll down to read more of the story that I wrote last week and the week before.