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Day 15 Acts 9:23 Acts 9:23 And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: 24 But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. 25 Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket. 26 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. 28 And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem. 29 And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him. 30 Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus. 31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied. Have you made a significant change in your life and people wouldn’t believe you made the change you claim? Saul went to Jerusalem to join with the disciples, but they didn’t want him in their midst because he had persecuted believers. Yet, Barnabas vouched for him and told them the work he did for Jesus from his experience on the Damascus Road and how he preached boldly in Jesus’ name. Then the disciples accepted him. However, Paul was sought because he changed and those who sided with him before he believed, wanted to kill him, and the disciples found out and took him to Caesarea and then to Tarsus. With Saul’s conversion, believers knew rest and peace and their numbers grew. As Christians, your life changed the moment you accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord. For some of you, your friends didn’t accept your change and did everything to sabotage your faith. Yet, remaining faithful to God, He blessed you and helped your faith grow. Satan will do everything he can to sabotage your faith. He will tempt you with your former lifestyle. He will bring false accusations against you. You might find yourself leaving to escape Satan’s purpose against you. God is faithful. He will keep you secure in Him as you seek His will for your life. Saul left the disciples and returned home to Tarsus. What has God done in your life? What has Satan done to hinder God’s work in your life? Your life isn’t always about doing. Sometimes a Christian’s life is about retreating. You need to get off Satan’s radar and allow God to work in you. It is in those times of retreat, you advance further as you are quiet before God and allow Him to teach you. 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Men and women called to God’s service, don’t immediately start working as pastors, teachers, evangelists, or the many fields open to them to bring God’s Word to people. They need someone to teach them. Retreating is the time for study in God’s Word. It’s the time for listening to the Holy Spirit. It’s the time for your spiritual growth. When you are ready, God will bring you into your calling. At Saul’s conversion God told Ananias what Saul would do for the kingdom of God. Acts 9:15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16 For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake. (KJV) If you are in a season of retreat, be still and allow God to grow you into His vessel of honor. Let’s pray: Father, help me know what season I am in, so I can do Your work to the best of my ability. Help me be still before You, listening instead of always doing. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Copyright © 26 January 2019 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay