Listen to this devotion
Called to Obedience
A devotion for The Conversion of St. Paul (Jan. 25)
In the Word
And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do” (Acts 9:4–6).
Of the Word
These words are the turning point of the story of Paul’s conversion. It took a bright miraculous light to get Saul’s attention. However, God in His wisdom chose Saul to be His instrument to spread the Gospel to the Gentiles, and He wanted Paul to obey His command. Blinded by the light, Saul’s companions led him into Damascus to wait for further instructions. After his sight was restored, he was ready to obey.
God’s Word and His Spirit within us call and equip us to obey Him in specific ways. Because of our sinful nature we can fail to obey, but by God’s grace we can obey and find joy as David says in Psalm 19:6, the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart.
Walking with my Lord
Heavenly Father, thank You for the merciful forgiveness You grant when I fail to obey. Please give me faith and strength to obey the commands that You have given me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible unless otherwise noted. (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Mustard Seed: Called to Obedience – The Conversion of St. Paul
by Ladell McWhirter, Kingsport, Tennessee.
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