Page 133 - First Steps 2023

So be patient, like Saul
was patient. Pause now to Saul—Acts 9:4-6; 13:2-3
read Saul’s story on this page. On the road to Damascus, Saul—a
persecutor of believers—was struck blind
If you’re not quite able to when Jesus appeared. Jesus told him to
articulate what God’s will for go into Damascus and, once there, he’d
your life is, don’t worry—keep be told what to do. A few days later, a dis-
walking faithfully and you’ll ciple named Ananias prayed for Saul and
shared God’s will for Saul: Carry the name
discover it. of Jesus to the Gentiles. (Read Acts 9:15.)
Keep these insights from In Acts 13:2-3, we read Saul finally
other disciples in mind as you received the command to begin his mis-
journey: sionary activities to the Gentiles.
Though only a few chapters separate
• Often, the weightier the Saul’s calling and commissioning, most
decision you face, the more commentators agree that there was a
specific the guidance you’ll re- 10-year time period between those two
events.
ceive. It’s also no coincidence Like many disciples, Saul—then
those are the times you’re Paul—received what he needed to do
likelier to consult with other God’s will incrementally.
believers, dig into Scripture,
and pray for guidance.

• Your spiritual gifts may provide guidance as to what God’s will is
for your life. They’re given so God can accomplish his will on earth; as you
use them and he works in and through you, you’ll better discern his call-
ing in your life.

• Keep a journal. Make note of times of obedience, times of suc-
cess, what discourages you, and how God has answered prayer over time.
You’ll start to see God’s fingerprints in your life. They’ll likely reveal a
direction in which you’re being led.

• Ask for wisdom. In James 1:5-6, the author tells readers if they
lack wisdom, they should ask God for it. God gives his children good
gifts—wisdom is one of them.

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