Day Sixteen – Written by Pastor Marcos Gonzalez
Biblical Example: Paul (Acts 9)
Prayer Focus: Persecuted Christians
Most people wrongly believe that the Lord changed Saul’s name to Paul on the road to Damascus, but this is not the case. What really changed Saul’s name was his mission.
When the Lord calls him to the Gentiles that day, he addresses him as ‘Saul’ (Acts 9:4). And when he speaks to Ananias, he again refers to him as ‘Saul’ (Acts 9:11).
In those days, it was common for people to have two names. Saul was his Hebrew name and Paul was his Roman name. As he ventured deeper into the Gentile mission field, it became more practical and strategic to use the Roman version of his name.
Are you so committed to the Gospel that it even causes your name to change? How do you think people will begin to call you if you go IN all the way?
After his conversion and call, Paul spent the rest of his life reaching and ministering to those Christians he once persecuted. In fact, the Lord allowed him the honor to experience strong persecution himself … and he even learned to glorify Christ in and through that suffering—-achieving four powerful missionary journeys and writing two thirds of the New Testament.
Today, may we remember to pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters, our beloved brethren in chains. May God use their suffering and turn it into mighty deeds and testimonies where many others can also come to Christ. They’re all in. Are we?
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