Walking with Jesus
"If the LORD delights in a person's way, He makes their steps firm; though they stumble, they will not fall, for the LORD upholds them with His hand." (Psalm 37:23,24)
Walking with Jesus

The Grand Narrative: “Saul’s Blinding Encounter!” (Acts 9:1-16)

“Saul’s Blinding Encounter!” (Acts 9:1-16)

Scroll down for “Lessons Learned…”

📘 LESSONS LEARNED

God can interrupt even the most determined opponent of Jesus and transform him into a chosen instrument for the gospel.

💥 SINS / FAILURES

  1. Opposing what God is doing because it does not fit our expectations (Acts 9:1–2; Proverbs 14:12)
  2. Allowing religious zeal to become anger, pride, or spiritual blindness (Acts 9:1; Romans 10:2–3)
  3. Persecuting or resisting God’s people while thinking we are serving God (Acts 9:4–5; John 16:2)
  4. Refusing to believe clear testimony about Jesus because of hardened assumptions (Acts 9:5; John 5:39–40)
  5. Questioning God’s direction when His plan feels dangerous or impossible (Acts 9:13–14; Isaiah 55:8–9)

🏆 SUCCESSES / SPIRITUAL GROWTH

  1. Recognizing that Jesus personally confronts, redirects, and transforms lives (Acts 9:3–6; 2 Corinthians 5:17)
  2. Responding humbly when God exposes our blindness or wrong thinking (Acts 9:8–9; Psalm 139:23–24)
  3. Seeking God with seriousness, fasting, prayer, and reflection (Acts 9:9–11; Jeremiah 29:13)
  4. Obeying God even when His assignment seems risky or confusing (Acts 9:10–17; Proverbs 3:5–6)
  5. Trusting that God can use unlikely people for His global purposes (Acts 9:15–16; 1 Timothy 1:12–16)

🧭 LEADERSHIP DYNAMICS

  1. God’s leaders must be ready for assignments that challenge their fears (Acts 9:10–15; Joshua 1:9)
  2. Spiritual leadership requires listening carefully when God’s plan overturns human expectations (Acts 9:13–15; Isaiah 55:8–9)
  3. God chooses servants according to His purpose, not their past reputation (Acts 9:15; Galatians 1:15–16)
  4. Leaders must help restore and commission people whom God has transformed (Acts 9:17; 2 Corinthians 5:18)
  5. God’s mission may include both proclamation and suffering for the name of Jesus (Acts 9:15–16; Philippians 1:29)