Monday, August 1 – Acts 9:19-22

Now for several days he was with the disciples who were in Damascus, and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” All those hearing him continued to be amazed, and were saying, “Is this not the one who in Jerusalem destroyed those who called on this name, and had come here for the purpose of bringing them bound before the chief priests?” But Saul kept increasing in strength and confounding Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that this Jesus is the Christ.

What is your story? What are some things in your life that are unique and special to you? God has designed each of us with different gifts, families, and starting points in our lives. These unique qualities and testimonies do not disappear when we become followers of Jesus but can be used for His glory. God uses our story, our gifts, and our backgrounds. Saul was previously an expert in Jewish law and Old Testament Scripture. When he started following Jesus, a lot of things changed about him, but God did not change him to be exactly like the other disciples. Jesus was glorified through the way Paul could connect the Old Testament prophesies to Jesus as the Messiah.

Sometimes it can be hard to appreciate the differences in your upbringing, occupation, or skills from others in the church. But each of our stories can be redeemed and used for His glory as we grow in His likeness. Saul continued to increase in strength, understanding more than he did as a man of the law. It is okay if everything does not make sense right now; growing as a follower of Jesus is a process. Colossians 2:6-7 says “Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.” Follow Jesus with all of who you are, using your gifts and unique testimony for His glory.

• What are some parts of your testimony or gifting that are unique to you?
• What would it look like to walk with Christ in all areas of your life?
• Pray and ask God to show you how the things in your life can be used for His glory.