“As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.’ Acts 9:3
It seems the further I get away from the old Trey the more crafty are the attacks that lure me back to the muck and mire. The right word, subject, hot button and soap box can give way to an emotion explosion of speech, tone and hidden affliction almost as quickly as each appear on the radar in the first place. My sin is exposed and the person on the other end of the communication is hurt as evil accomplishes its mission again.
I often wonder what Paul may have experienced after his conversion on the road to Damascus. He was a changed man never to return to the vomit, however I’m sure those he persecuted did not feel the same and we’re on edge waiting for the shoe to drop at any moment.
I’m certain Satan’s attacks were relentless during this season of life. Lucifer is not to be underestimated. Sensing defeat, the arrows flew at Paul’s head like never before. Tools of self doubt and reminders of what was done in the past probably discouraged him from moving forward. The thorn left in his flesh was so painful it beckoned a request to God Almighty for removal.
Nothing in my life screams worthiness when I think about the number of times I have destroyed someone with my words or allowed my emotions to get the best of me. The voice of merit is muffled by the creaking gates of hell when I think about the number of times I’ve allowed a little one to stumble.
In steps Jesus. I am blinded by the light and as the mixture of saliva and mud are placed on my eyes in a trice I can see clearly. Instantly I am reconciled. A voice thunders from heaven ‘you are mine’ and a new creation emerges.
Be encouraged brothers and sisters. Just because the purposed reminders of the past may paralyze you from moving forward, the lies of Satan have no power over you. A glimmer of light pierces through and darkness cannot prevail. The chains of captivity are broken and death loses it sting as God shouts from the cross, ‘it is finished’.
