History & Experience

Scripture:
Acts 22:21—“And He said to me, ‘Go! For I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’”

Observation:
Acts 22 shows how Paul was perfectly prepared to minister in this specific place, to these specific people, at this specific time. God’s providence is clearly on display in this passage. The fact that he was a Jew trained in the scriptures by a respected rabbi lent his message credibility. However, he was also a born Roman citizen with esteem and rights even beyond the soldiers who attempted to beat him. Experientially, he had a radical conversion that was personal and life-altering. Anyone who had known of Paul (Saul) before the Damascus road could easily see that the guy who approved of Stephen’s death was gone forever. God uniquely prepared Paul to publicly announce the new inclusion of Gentiles in the “way” before these Jews, and when the time came he did it with courage and conviction.

Application:
The question of the day is, “What is God uniquely preparing me for?” From the time of my birth until this very moment God has shaped my history and experience according to His will. The plans He has for me are FOR ME. No one else can be used in the same manner in God’s great plan. It’s nothing special about me; it’s God’s wonderful grace to honor me in His service. Now my focus must be readiness for the moments when my history and experience collide in opportunity to serve with conviction and courage.

Prayer:
Thank you Lord for your unique workings in my life. No one else has my history, no one else has my experience, and no one else has the potential to serve you in the unique ways You’ve planned out for me. Help me to see those opportunities and respond with courage and conviction.

— Curt Hale, children’s pastor