Page 16 - HaveFaithOct

Day 17 The longest journey starts with a simple step...

The Journey... Isaiah 30: 21
Have you ever started a journey on to have was one of these people. Saul’s anti-Chris-
something happen on route that changes ev- tian zeal motivated him not only to arrest and
erything? All too often on our roads, lives are imprison male Christians but to lock up fe-
permanently changed in tragic circum- male believers as well. Saul was present for
stances but it doesn't have to be bad the trial of Stephen, one of the disciples, a
changes we consider. Imagine bumping into trial that resulted in Stephen becoming the
a long lost friend on the way to the shops first Christian martyr . The historian Luke tells
only to rekindle that friendship, your friend- us that Stephen’s executioners laid their gar-
ship turns to dating, dating turns to relation- ments at the feet of Saul, who was in full ap-
ship, relationship turns to marriage - life proval of the mob’s murderous actions. Saul
changed all because you took a journey to later ravaged the church, entering the homes
the shops. It's quite amazing to think that if of believers and committing them to prison.
our imaginary person didn't run out of milk Then a journey changed all that. While on his
that day, her two children may not have been way to Damascus to arrest and extradite
born. Who knows what will happen on life's Christians back to Jerusalem, Saul was con-
road. I think this has happened to all of us at fronted by the very One whom he was per-
some point. I know its happened to me more secuting. What followed was one of the most
times than I can count. Some of it good, dramatic conversions in church history. Saul
some bad but I do know that everything that of Tarsus became the apostle Paul, an ardent
has happened and every one of life's roads I missionary to an unbelieving world and a fine
have walked down has brought me to the example of faithful service in the face of
point where I am now. When I look at what I fierce persecution. Later, becoming the most
have I do feel blessed. Being in the position revered Saint in history and writer of much of
I am to be able to help veterans is truly fan- the New Testament. St Paul became St Paul
tastic and rewarding. The journey I took has because of a journey. Just imagine, that
sometimes been uncomfortable, sometimes morning when he set off on his journey he
joyful, regrettably to get where I am, people had no idea that his life was about to change
have been hurt, I have been hurt but to be in so dramatically. How amazing is that? I won-
the position where I am now I can call on all der where your journey will take you. What is
of these experiences to help others. Without round the next corner or over the next sum-
them I'd have no way of knowing how to help. mit you need to climb? Only God knows, but
But I'm not the only one to have walked a he is guiding you. Trust in your spiritual Sat-
road like this. I believe we all hold this quali- Nav, It's got the right route plotted into it by
fication in one way or another. Saul of Tarsus the ultimate navigator. Just trust him.

| 16 Have Faith