We should pray
Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Acts 9: 1-2
Can you imagine being hunted or targeted simply for your faith in Jesus? What if you had to live in hiding, constantly looking over your shoulder, unsure if soldiers would burst through your door because you dared to speak about God’s love? It’s hard to fathom. Most of us have never faced that level of persecution, but for the early Christians in the book of Acts, it was a terrifying reality.
In today’s passage, Saul, before his conversion, was actively seeking out believers, dragging them from their homes and imprisoning them simply because they followed Jesus. It’s a disturbing image. Even after Saul’s radical encounter with the Lord Jesus, many Christians were understandably hesitant to accept him. The very man who had once hunted them was now claiming to be one of them. It took great faith and discernment for believers like Ananias to trust God’s work in Saul’s life and welcome him as a brother.
Saul’s transformation is a powerful reminder of God’s ability to change hearts no matter how hardened or hostile they may seem. This is good news, especially as we look around at our world today. There are still places where believers are persecuted, where just saying the name of Jesus can lead to imprisonment or worse. Right now, the nation of Israel is under constant threat, surrounded by enemies and under attack. While we live in a nation where we are blessed with many freedoms, we cannot forget those who live in daily fear and turmoil.
Let today’s passage stir your heart, not just with gratitude for your own safety, but with compassion and urgency for others. We may not be able to fully understand the fear many live with, but we can pray.
Here are some things you can do to help the spread of Christianity around the world:
- Pray for the persecuted church – Ask God to strengthen and protect believers around the world who are under threat and that they bold witness would reach the nations of the world.
- Pray for Israel – Stand in the gap for peace, wisdom, and divine protection over the land and people.
- Pray for your enemies – Just like Saul, no one is beyond God’s reach. Ask Him to reveal His love even to those who oppose His truth.
- Be thankful – Be thankful for the freedom to worship and share your faith openly.
- Stay alert – Be ready and willing to follow God’s lead in praying, giving, or going when He calls you to take a step of faith.
Today I want to encourage you to remember that God is still in the business of transforming lives and turning enemies into ambassadors of His grace. The same power that stopped Saul on the Damascus Road is at work today. Your prayers matter. Your faithfulness matters. Let your response to this world be rooted not in fear or frustration, but in intercession. We don’t have to live in fear of the enemy because we stand on the side of victory.
Take time today to pause and intercede for those who don’t have the same freedom you do. Ask God to raise up modern-day Sauls who will become Paul’s. People radically transformed by His love and truth.
Today’s scripture reading: Acts 9:1-9
1 Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest
2 and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
3 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven.
4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”
5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?”
Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”
6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
7 And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one.
8 Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.
9 And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
Journal:
- Who is someone (or a group of people) I’ve seen as an “enemy” that I can begin to pray for today?
- What might God want to change in my heart through that prayer?
The Daily Dose 