When Jesus spoke to Paul in a blinding light on the Damascus Road, He said to him, “But rise, and stand upon thy feet; for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;
“Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me” (Acts 26:16-18).
The Lord’s purpose for Paul was very precise. It was also for his total good. I want you to notice three things about the Lord’s word of purpose to Paul.
First, the Lord calls Paul to be “a minister and a witness.” That is the call of the Lord on each of our lives. We may not be called to preach sermons or be a pastor, but we are all called to minister to others — to show the love of God to them and to help in God’s ministry through our giving, our loving, our time, and our abilities. We are all called to be witnesses–to tell freely what we know about the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself said, “Ye shall be witnesses unto me” (Acts 1:8).
Second, the Lord doesn’t tell Paul all the specifics about what he is to say and do in his life. The Lord says to Paul–and to us, –Take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: for the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say” (Luke 12:11, 12).
Third, the Lord says that Paul will be used by God to help others–to open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan, unto God, “that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and an inheritance [from the Lord]” (Acts 26:18). When God reveals His purpose to you for your life, you can count on it being not only for your good but also for the good of those around you.
Trust God today to work out His good purpose in you!