Saul of Tarsus was knocked off his horse by the Lord Jesus Christ while riding to Damascus, Syria from Jerusalem to persecute followers of Christ. (Acts 9:3-4) That was some three or four years after the resurrection and during a time of severe persecution of the new Christians in Israel. Along the way, Saul had proven his zeal for God by helping find, arrest and even kill those who had been converted from Judaism to follow "The Way". He was the Ben Ladin of his era. (Acts 9:1-2)
How long after Saul was hit by the power of the resurrected Lord did he move from anger, rage and persecution to ardent follower, evangelist and Apostle for "the Way"?
Today like many seminars I have taught over the years, I asked that question. Here are some of the suggested answers.
1. As soon as his eyes were opened and he was baptized. (Acts 9:17-18)
2. Three years after he was converted.
3. After he studied under, what's his name (Barnabas).
What do you say? Read the book of acts from Chapter 9 onwards to see how long it took for Saul to grow enough to become useful in the Kingdom of God. Write Saul's Spiritual Growth Time Line and meditate on what events God used to facilitate his growth.
How about your own Spiritual Growth Time Line? What events have helped you grow? We all of them positive in nature?
Write and let me know of your spiritual growth experiences. For example, I came to Christ as a ten year old boy but "backslid" during some times of youthful rebellion towards my folks. Then, ten years later, at age twenty I had a life changing experience with the Holy Spirit on a 1957 Ford with 230 horses that impacted me deeply.
I would love to hear your story.
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