DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: Today, I will not take on responsibilities never meant for me. But I will wait for God’s direction and watch it become clearer.
Saul was making his way to Damascus when his travel plans derailed. Jesus hit him with a spotlight and knocked him to the ground, blinding Saul for a short time. Here is Saul’s first understanding of the calling he was going to undertake with Jesus:
But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to CARRY MY NAME before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” (Acts 9:15-16 ESV)
It was a very simple plan. Saul was to carry the name of Jesus to the Gentiles, kings and Jews. The next time Saul recounts his calling it becomes more detailed:
And he said, ‘The God of our fathers appointed you to KNOW his will, to SEE the Righteous One and to HEAR a voice from his mouth; for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard. (ACTS 22:14-15 ESV)
Wait a minute! The calling just got more precise. Now Saul explains his mission also includes knowing God’s will, seeing Jesus, hearing His voice and being a witness to what he sees and hears. Saul seems to be getting more clarity about his calling. Then he tells his story again, and notice that his vision becomes even more detailed:
But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you to OPEN THEIR EYES, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may RECEIVE FORGIVENESS of sins and a place among those who are SANCTIFIED BY FAITH in me.’ (ACTS 26:16-18 ESV)
Wow! That means that Saul’s vision for his ministry became clearer over time. Apparently, the Holy Spirit sharpened his calling. That’s usually how it works.
Jesus may call you to a specific ministry and then clarify the call over time. That doesn’t mean the original calling was off base. It means He is sharpening your focus. Ministry, just like life, is often a journey. Just ask Saul.
