When You Lose Something Precious

 By:Paula Short

"So Saul got up from the ground, but although his eyes were open, he could see nothing. Leading him by the hand, his companions brought him into Damascus." Acts 9:8—NET

Saul was traveling to Damascus, fixing to persecute Christians. He thought he was doing the right thing at the time.

But while he was on this venture with his companions, without warning, there came a light so bright and blinding that each man fell to his knees straight away.

As Saul coughed and sputtered from  breathing in the dust of the ground, he heard a loud voice, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"

He asked who he was speaking to, and the same voice replied. "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."

But as Saul scrambles to his feet, he has a sickening realization. He can't see anything. It's dark— everything! He began to feel around, his stomach lurching. 

His companions took Saul by the hand and led him to Damascus. After three days of fasting and prayer, a man arrived at the house where Saul was. He laid his hands on Saul and prayed for him.

After the prayer, Saul opens his eyes and can see again. How different the world must have looked to him! Suddenly, he could see things vividly that he never had before.

I've come to see that sometimes, God takes things from our lives so we can clearly see Him. Maybe God has taken your relationship with a significant other, friend, family member, job, or home. Rest assured, God has not taken these things from you to be cruel—He's taken them because He longs for you to rely on Him to show you His faithful love.

Also, be cautious of people who insist you must have a particular conversion experience. At the center of Paul's experience was Jesus. How awesome is that!? The right way to come to faith in Jesus is whatever way God brings you. Just like he did for Paul.

Conversions come from a personal encounter with Jesus, leading to a new relationship and life in him. Faith in Jesus brings great blessings, but sometimes suffering too. God calls us to commitment, not comfort. He promises to be with us through suffering and hardship, not to spare us from them. Let Jesus be the center of your experience.

Let's Reflect

Is there anything in your life that prevents you from seeing God clearly?