22 Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.
Saul’s life has been radically changed in just a few days. He has gone from someone bent on killing the Jesus-followers to a powerful spokesperson for the faith. His powerful mind has been harnessed for Christ. Paul brought all his strengths to his new life. All the energy he had used to fight against the believers he now used to defend the faith. He holds nothing back when he becomes a follower of Jesus. I have noticed over the years the change in many lives when an individual becomes a follower of Jesus. I especially enjoy seeing the shifts in focus. One day it is toward sin, the next it is toward righteousness. I always wonder about people who are passionate about sports, for example, but then lack passion and energy toward the Lord. My own natural mind questions the depth of penetration of the Gospel when a life is slow to change, or lacks the same level of energy and excitement of the previous way of life. God uses our personality and energy level in His work. He will mold and shape us, but our intensity will shift from other things to the Lord. Have you noticed that shift in yourself? Do you remember your level of energy you had for other things prior to Christ? Do you show that same level of energy today toward Christ? If not, what has happened? Are you holding back for some reason? I want to encourage you to jump in with both feet. Don’t hold back serving the Lord. Pour yourself fully into it.
The Arnold Journey 