What Happens Next?

Acts 9:1-9

This is a powerful piece of scripture.  Saul, who is out to destroy the fledgling Christian church, is stopped in his tracks by Jesus, the very one whose ministry he seeks to destroy.

You've heard the expression "he had a Damascus Road experience," haven't you?  Well, here it is, in these nine verses.  Truly terrifying to be struck by lightning and hear a voice speaking to you while on your way to persecute Christians!

So right after this incredible experience, what are Saul's next steps? Not very incredible - listen to these instructions from Jesus:

“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

His next steps were to be obedient.  Get up, go into the city - await further instructions.  

I think at this point I might have said, "Lord, can you give me some idea of what is going to happen next??"  I would have wanted more information - ideally, a full road map of what the rest of my life would be like.  To Saul's credit, he does what Jesus tells him to do.  Granted, he had just lost his sight, and he had to be reeling from the experience of this encounter with the risen Lord, the very one he was persecuting.  But he obeyed - he waited for Jesus to give him the next steps.

Are you waiting right now?  Do you want to know what is around the corner in your life?  Are you waiting on a job offer?  A college decision?  Are you weighing your retirement options?  Are you longing for a child?  Are you pondering marriage?  Are you looking for a church home?  Are you facing a health crisis?  Do you long for God to make all things clear to you?  Do you want to serve him more fully?  

The Lord longs to bless us.  

You make known to me the path of life;
    you will fill me with joy in your presence,
    with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (Psalm 16:11)

Give that next step to him.  He has plans to bless you - Amen!