1 But Saul, still breathing murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord, went to the High Priest and begged him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he should find there any followers of the Way, whether men or women, he could bring them back to Jerusalem as prisoners.
Acts 9:3 (Phillips NT)
3 But on his journey, as he neared Damascus, a light from Heaven suddenly blazed around him, and he fell to the ground. Then he heard a voice speaking to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?"
Acts 9:5-7 (Phillips NT)
5 "Who are you, Lord?" he asked.
6 "I am Jesus whom you are persecuting," was the reply. "But now stand up and go into the city and there you will be told what you must do."
7 His companions on the journey stood there speechless, for they had heard the voice but could see no one. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they took him by the hand and led him into Damascus. There he remained sightless for three days, and during that time he had nothing either to eat or drink.
Saul had a mission. Terrorize and brutalize Christians into silence and extinction. He headed for Damascus not knowing the encounter he would have with Jesus on the way. You can read the story. In an amazing encounter on the road Paul met Jesus. A pivotal moment in history. Suddenly everything in Saul's world turned upside down. He had a new purpose. A new mission though he did not know it yet.
When Saul arose from the ground he could not see. He planned to persecute Christians in Damascus before his encounter with Jesus. Now, what was he supposed to do? Jesus gave very few instructions, "But now stand up and go into the city and there you will be told what you must do."
No further details were given. Just stand up. Go to the city. Wait for further instructions.
I wonder how many of you are in a similar spot. You find yourself in a place of seeking Jesus for direction. He gives some vague instructions and you are in a waiting period. Waiting for further insight, revelation, guidance and clarity. Waiting for the next steps. This can be a difficult period.
God often requires His children to wait on Him. He uses waiting periods to prepare us, mold us and test us. In waiting periods our faith is tested. Our obedience is tested. Our patience is tested. Saul a zealous Pharisee had to be led by the hand to Damascus. This must have been a blow to his pride. When he arrived he sat in darkness because of the loss of his vision. He waited. He also prayed. [Acts 9:11] Waiting and praying. This lasted for three days. In this time he fasted and prayed. He also waited. Waited for God to shed further light. Waited to see if he would ever regain is sight.
From Saul's perspective it probably looked like Jesus had forgotten Him after that encounter on the Damascus road. Saul did all he knew to do at the time. He went into Damascus like Jesus commanded and waited for further instructions. For three days he did not receive further instructions.
Then, unknown to Saul, in another part of town Jesus worked. He spoke through a vision to a disciple named Ananias. He told him to go to a certain place to find a man named Saul. Ananias also received a special message for Saul with clear instructions. Ananias feared to deliver such a message knowing Saul's reputation. He went in faith.
At the right time Ananias showed up with a message. He also prayed for Saul and his sight was restored. What was that message?
Acts 9:15 (Phillips NT)
15 But the Lord said to him, "Go on your way, for this man is my chosen instrument to bear my name before the Gentiles and their kings, as well as to the sons of Israel. Indeed, I myself will show him what he must suffer for the sake of my name."
Saul was a chosen instrument for Jesus. Saul's mission was to take the name of Jesus to both the Gentiles and the Jews. He was also appointed to stand before Kings to proclaim Jesus which he did before Agrippa. The last part of the message would have caused me to shudder. He was told he would suffer for the name of Jesus. Did Paul ever suffer.
What a dramatic story. If you are in the place of waiting like Saul did in Damascus for Jesus to show you the next steps you are supposed to take here are a few words to consider.
1. Patiently wait on Him. Jesus's timing is right. Trust Him no matter how long you have to wait. [Ps 27:14]
2. Pray and fast. Keep seeking Him for clarity. Trust He will reveal it when He is ready. [Mark 9:29]
3. When Jesus reveals the next steps, obey by faith. We know Paul kept this new mission. He did not waver. He testified about this in [Acts 20:24]
These are things to do when you do not not know what Jesus wants you to do next. He will give direction when He is ready. You keep ready to receive those instructions and then follow through.
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