I just released an ebook titled Disrupted by God, which covers how God divinely interrupts our lives for His great purposes. The book touches on Abraham’s journey to Canaan, as well as some personal experiences that I’ve had. I know that the word “disruption” may sound contradictory and unsuitable when discussing the Gospel. However, I can assure you that disruptions are not always a bad thing. God can use them to change the trajectory of our lives and take us to new places.
Well, with all that being said here’s an unpublished chapter from the ebook, enjoy :)
But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
- Acts 9:1-9
Acts chapter 9 brings a lot of attention to the concept of disruptions. It focuses on the conversion of Paul (A.K.A Saul) and his transformation from a man of ghoul to a man of God. Unlike Abraham, Paul wasn't a righteous old man. He was an angry young man with a mission to kill Christians like there was no tomorrow. Paul had quite a reputation and was well known for his acts of violence. However, on the road to Damascus, (where he was eagerly headed to persecute more Christians) God met Him with a divine disruption that altered the trajectory of his life.
So, what can we learn from Paul's conversion?
God uses disruptions to open our eyes
Paul's encounter with God left him blind for three days, and when his sight returned; scales fell from his eyes. It’s as if God restored his vision and allowed him to see clearer, not just physically, but spiritually as well. His soul was suddenly awakened and he gained a fresh perspective. The people that he once looked at with hate, became recipients of his love and compassion. He began to see life, people, and (most importantly) God in a brand new way.
God uses disruptions to change our hearts
Paul was a terrifying and violent man before his conversion; he was ruthless and very passionate about persecution. However, when he became acquainted with God, his heart changed. He was no longer on a mission to kill Christians but to create disciples. His intentions were pure, and his motives were completely transformed; he truly became a new man. Last but not least, His desires and dreams changed.
God is very personal
God isn't on a mission to shame or embarrass us, He just wants to propel us and make us more like Him. God met Paul where he was and uniquely captured his attention. He touched the deep places of Paul's heart in a way that only He could. I love how God ministers to His people on a personal level, one on one. He has countless children and all of humanity in the palm of His hands. Yet, He still sets time apart and makes Himself available to each of us. All so we can encounter Him and be changed forever.
The results are unmatched
Although Paul traveled to Damascus with the hopes of oppressing Christians, he ended up preaching to people about Jesus Christ instead! Paul went from a Christian slayer to a soul winner, and God used him to write multiple books in the Bible. Paul could have seen the light and ignored God’s voice. He could have kept on moving and gone back to his former ways. But instead, he made a choice to yield to God, and submit to what He was doing. As soon as the disruption occurred, he surrendered to something much bigger than himself. The decision that he made at that moment changed the course of his life. He knew that it was best to take part in God's plan.
Just take a moment to imagine where God’s great disruptions could lead you!
When God meets you on the road to your destination and encounters you with a new direction, are you going to listen and obey? Or cling to your past? You see, God knows where you're coming from and where you're headed. However, He's not thrown off by the way you see things, the condition of your heart, or your past mistakes. He just wants to lead you forward, and encounter the new things that He has prepared for you.
I love that God did not disqualify Paul because of his past hobbies, instead He gave him a chance to repent and do better. Maybe you haven't persecuted a bunch of Christians, and maybe you're already saved, but God wants to steer you away from the former things and introduce you to something better. On the road to... wherever you're headed, God will “disrupt” you in multiple ways and transform your circumstances right before your eyes. So just sit back, relax, and let Him do His thing!
Click here to read the ebook Disrupted by God!
STAY INSPIRED!
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