Pastor’s Perspective: From Knock-Down to Serving

Dear Church Family,

On Sunday we will study Acts 9 where Saul had his life changing experience with Jesus. This story inspires hope for all of us who have a past of failure and disappointment. Do you live in condemnation because of your past? Do you seek freedom and healing? The grace of God is on full display in this beautiful story of redemption!

In Psalm 23 we also read of recovery and renewal. In verse 2-3 we see a beautiful progression of the Good Shepherd bringing change in the life of His sheep. "He makes me" lie down in green pastures (Saul was struck down off his horse), "He leads me" by still waters (Saul was led to a house to pray and receive sight), "He restores" my soul (Saul had a quiet season of recovery), "He leads me" in the paths of righteousness (Saul has a new purpose in life, the right path).

Saul was fighting against God. Like Saul, our journey from knock-down to service for Jesus is often the hardest, but sweetest chapters of our lives. Before Sauls ministry really became effective, God needed some chisel time. Alone; Saul spent 3 years in the desert with God (Gal 1:11-24). Rejection; many were suspicious of Saul, he was not trusted by peers, and even other leaders in the church (Barnabas had to intervene). Physical ailment; he was given a thorn in the flesh to keep him humble. These trials were allowed, even created, by God to better prepare Saul to become Paul.

May each of us better understand our journey to service, the grace of God in full display.

See you on Sunday

Pastor Marv