Hey, all! My mom suggested today that I do a ladies week. I agreed, so Wednesday will be Mary and today is Esther! I'm really excited for this one, because I love Esther's story. Here goes! These first paragraphs are getting shorter.
Esther starts with Xerxes having a big party. A really expensive one with lots of rulers and nobility. Well Xerxes is a tad bit drunk, and he calls for his wife, Vashti. She says no. Xerxes gets angry, so he banishes her from his presence and gets a new wife. But there's so many beautiful young ladies to choose from! How can he pick the perfect bride? He holds a contest for 'Miss Persia.' Or at least that's how it seems. Now Esther (first named Hadassah) was an orphan, brought up by her cousin Mordicai. She was taken to Hegai, who was in charge of the women, and he immediately liked her. He gave her special treatments, food, seven attendants from the palace and moved her to the best room. Hegai's care had worked, because Xerxes chose her over all the others. So Esther became 'Miss Persia.'
Mordicai sat at the palace gates, and one day he overheard a certain conversation. It was a conversation between two of Xerxes's officers about a plot to assassinate the king. Mordicai told this plot to Esther, who relayed it to Xerxes, making sure to tell him that it was Mordicai who found it out. Well, the king wasn't happy about this and had the officers impaled.
But not everyone liked Mordicai. Haman, one of the king's advisors, wasn't happy with Mordicai because he didn't bow to him. So he decided to have a decree made to kill all of the Jews. This was very bad news for Mordicai and he went into mourning. Esther asked someone to find out why he was so depressed. Esther is told about the decree and Mordicai tells her that she has to plead to Xerxes to change his mind. Esther goes to the king, and asks him to come to a banquet she made for him and Haman. At the banquet, Xerxes asks what she wants, and she tells him that she will answer that if he and Haman will attend another banquet tomorrow. Xerxes consents, probably wondering why she was acting so strangely. We have seen in the past that Xerxes is perhaps not the most patient man, but when in comes to Esther, he waits very patiently. I think that's interesting. Well that day Haman went home quite happy. That is, until he sees Mordicai. He boasts to his friends and family and tells his wife how much he hates Mordicai. She, being a completely decent person, tells him to have the king impale him on a pole.
Meanwhile, the king is not sleeping well, so he decides to do a little reading about his life. He comes across the plot for his assassination and thinks that Mordicai should be honored. Ironically he asks Haman what to do about it. Haman tells him, thinking that Xerxes was talking about him. So Mordicai is honored, then he goes back to mourning at the gates. Next day, the banquet is prepared, and Esther tells Xerxes everything. He decides to have Haman impaled on the pole that he set up for Mordicai. (Oh, the irony.) The decree is called off and, thanks to Esther and also Mordicai, the Jews were saved once again. (That seems to be a recurring theme in the bible.) She made a difference by saving her people. And she started out as a poor orphan.
Sarah
Saturday, April 9, 2016
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Moses
Hello, friends, enemies (I don't think I have any but you never know) and undetermined acquaintances! How are you doing? It's been a week since I have seen my eldest brother. How the time flies. Anyway, remember when I wrote about Paul and said that my drama team is doing a human video about him? (Come to Apex May 14th!) Well we have another one about Moses. So I thought I'd write a post about him!
So I'm sure you know about little baby Moses in the basket, but I'm going to tell you about it anyway. Ha! When Moses was born, the Pharaoh was a bit paranoid. He decided that if the Israelites had sons, they would grow up try to overthrow him. It might have been true, but what he did was a bit drastic. He made a law against them having sons and had them all thrown into the Nile. Well Moses's mother didn't want this to happen to her son, so she hid him until she couldn't anymore. Then she put him into a basket and let him go off on the Nile, hoping that he would be found and saved from a watery grave. Well someone did. The Pharaoh's daughter (named Bithiah according to Wiki) did. Moses's sister Miriam was following him (I often wonder if she was supposed to or if she just wanted to make sure her little brother was safe) and she asked Bithiah if she wanted her to get a Hebrew woman to nurse him. Miriam seemed to be cunning, because she got her own mother to do it.
He grew up and probably found out that he was an Israelite at some point. (Go watch "Prince of Egypt" because it's probably completely accurate. Yeah. Totally 100% accurate.) One day he saw an Egyptian beating up an Israelite (aka Maddy and me). He acted quickly, and ended up killing the Egyptian. Ashamed, he fled to another land and got married. He was most likely going to settle down and live a quite and happy life. God, on the other hand had big plans for him. It wasn't long (just kidding, it might have been years, I don't know) before he saw a burning bush that told him he would be freeing the Israelites. Moses wasn't very good at talking, so God had him buddy up with with his bro, Aaron. So they went and talked to Pharaoh, who probably laughed in their faces. He wouldn't be laughing for long. God sent horrible plagues to Egypt including water turning into blood, frogs, lice, flies, diseased livestock, boils, thunderstorm of hail and fire, locusts, darkness, and the death of the firstborn child. Pharaoh finally let them go, but changed his mind soon after. If you want that story, read the Bible. I'm not going to write about that.
Well, the Israelites didn't always do what they were supposed to and God had set some rules into stone (yes, literally). Even then, they still didn't listen. Moses had to convince God to not destroy them multiple times. If he hadn't, things might have been different. And all this from a man who couldn't speak well. God can change things through you no matter what your problems are. He can make a difference in you.
Sarah
So I'm sure you know about little baby Moses in the basket, but I'm going to tell you about it anyway. Ha! When Moses was born, the Pharaoh was a bit paranoid. He decided that if the Israelites had sons, they would grow up try to overthrow him. It might have been true, but what he did was a bit drastic. He made a law against them having sons and had them all thrown into the Nile. Well Moses's mother didn't want this to happen to her son, so she hid him until she couldn't anymore. Then she put him into a basket and let him go off on the Nile, hoping that he would be found and saved from a watery grave. Well someone did. The Pharaoh's daughter (named Bithiah according to Wiki) did. Moses's sister Miriam was following him (I often wonder if she was supposed to or if she just wanted to make sure her little brother was safe) and she asked Bithiah if she wanted her to get a Hebrew woman to nurse him. Miriam seemed to be cunning, because she got her own mother to do it.
He grew up and probably found out that he was an Israelite at some point. (Go watch "Prince of Egypt" because it's probably completely accurate. Yeah. Totally 100% accurate.) One day he saw an Egyptian beating up an Israelite (aka Maddy and me). He acted quickly, and ended up killing the Egyptian. Ashamed, he fled to another land and got married. He was most likely going to settle down and live a quite and happy life. God, on the other hand had big plans for him. It wasn't long (just kidding, it might have been years, I don't know) before he saw a burning bush that told him he would be freeing the Israelites. Moses wasn't very good at talking, so God had him buddy up with with his bro, Aaron. So they went and talked to Pharaoh, who probably laughed in their faces. He wouldn't be laughing for long. God sent horrible plagues to Egypt including water turning into blood, frogs, lice, flies, diseased livestock, boils, thunderstorm of hail and fire, locusts, darkness, and the death of the firstborn child. Pharaoh finally let them go, but changed his mind soon after. If you want that story, read the Bible. I'm not going to write about that.
Well, the Israelites didn't always do what they were supposed to and God had set some rules into stone (yes, literally). Even then, they still didn't listen. Moses had to convince God to not destroy them multiple times. If he hadn't, things might have been different. And all this from a man who couldn't speak well. God can change things through you no matter what your problems are. He can make a difference in you.
Sarah
Saturday, April 2, 2016
Abraham
Hey everyone! So I'm officially brotherless. TJ left for Germany Wednesday, so be praying for him and also, as always, Jon. Thank you again for reading my silly little blog. It means a lot to me. Alright, without further ado, Abraham.
One day Abram was just minding his own business (whatever that might be), and God told him to leave his family and home. And he said, "Heck naw! I'm staying right here." Actually, no. He said yes. He was probably quite comfortable in his home, with his wife and nephew. And it's not like he was a young guy. "Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran." (Genesis 11:4b NIV) Imagine that. So he left, old man that he was, with his wife Sarai and his nephew Lot. God promised Abram that his descendants would have Canaan, which said a lot (heh heh, sorry, bad pun), because Abram didn't have a son. Okay, God.
Quite a but later, Abram is ninety-nine and he and Lot separated a while ago. God shows up and says that Abram is now to be called Abraham and Sarai, Sarah (fabulous name). He also says that they are going to have a son and they are to call him Isaac (file under "God naming people's sons"). Well Abraham thought this was ridiculous. But God assured him that it was true. A few days, weeks, or maybe months later (it didn't say), Abraham received three visitors and he of course was very hospitable to them. One of them said that Sarah would give birth soon. She heard and laughed. God must have been taken aback by this, because he asked her why. She got nervous so she lied and said that she didn't laugh. God got real sassy, and said "Yes, you did laugh." And that section ends there. Because no one messes with God.
God keeps His promises, and soon Sarah did have a son and he was named Isaac just like God told them to. Years go by, and Abraham's faith gets tested to the max. God tells him to sacrifice Isaac (don't try this at home, kids). Wow. You told him that through his son there would be a huge nation, and then You tell him to kill that son? The crazier thing is that Abraham agreed. So the next morning they go up to a mountain and Abraham sets up an altar. He is just about to sacrifice Isaac when God tells him to stop. He says that He was just testing Abraham's faith, and He provided a ram for them to sacrifice instead.
Abraham was incredible. Would you sacrifice someone you love because God told you to? I honestly don't think I could. Abraham might be a bit overlooked in Christianity, although he means so much to the Israelites. His life shows that God keeps His promises and that if you keep believing God's favour will be on you. God made so many promises to the Israelites and they held on to them whenever they were in trouble. We can learn so much from this individual's life. He had such a willingness to obey God and God made a difference through him because of it.
So that's all for now, I should have another post Wednesday. Thanks so much! You are all amazing people and I'm unbelievably lucky to know you!
Sarah
Saturday, March 26, 2016
St. Peter
Hello! Another Saturday, another post. Firstly, I want to say happy Easter, have a spectacular one! Now to my post. I realised last week while writing the post about Jesus that I should be doing that one today. But I was too far to do much about it by the time I noticed. So instead I'm going to write about Saint Peter!
Peter was one of Jesus's diciples, and probably one of the better known ones. He is also known as Simon Peter, and is considered the first pope of the Catholics. I think he is probably the easiest to relate to. In the Gospels he never seems to stop putting his foot in his mouth. There are a few times that he says something great, but only a short time later, his foot is back in his mouth. Luckily, the Holy Spirit comes in and in Acts he does some pretty cool things.
Peter first meets Jesus in Matthew 4:18-20 and John 1:40-42 (NIV). Let's do Matthew first. "As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 'Come, follow me,' Jesus said, 'and I will send you out to fish for people.' At once they left their nets and followed him." John says it a bit differently; "Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, 'We have found the Messiah' (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, 'You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas' (which, when translated, is Peter )." So (according to John) the first thing Jesus does is tell Simon that now his name is Peter. ("Jesus: King of first impressions.") Somehow he still decided to follow Jesus after that. He was probably a bit confused but intreagued by this strange Man.
His ministry seems to begin when Jesus sends the diciples out to preach and preform miracles (Matthew 10, Luke 9 and Mark 6, appearently John couldn't care less). This is little more than mentioned, although Jesus does give them specific instructions. Then he gives a phenomenal sermon at Pentacost (Acts 2:14-36) when the diciples are filled with the Holy Spirit after cowering in safety, scared that they would be persecuted. The Holy Spirit came and all that fear left. They weren't afraid for their lives and they openly preached in languages they didn't actully speak. Peter became a sort of leader to the diciples, which is most likely why he is now the first pope. He did miracles, he preached, he had visions, this guy pretty much did it all.
His story is still making a difference in people's lives, he is proof that Jesus can take someone who makes the stupidest mistakes and make him into someone who is so influental to the world. Being one of the very first Christians, it was important that he (and others) told as many people of Jesus's sacrifice, he took that responsebility seriously and it paid off. If he hid his faith, I might not be here, writing this blog.
So that's all for this post. Have a wonderful Easter and thank you so nuch for reading. It means a whole lot to me. God bless!
Sarah
Peter was one of Jesus's diciples, and probably one of the better known ones. He is also known as Simon Peter, and is considered the first pope of the Catholics. I think he is probably the easiest to relate to. In the Gospels he never seems to stop putting his foot in his mouth. There are a few times that he says something great, but only a short time later, his foot is back in his mouth. Luckily, the Holy Spirit comes in and in Acts he does some pretty cool things.
Peter first meets Jesus in Matthew 4:18-20 and John 1:40-42 (NIV). Let's do Matthew first. "As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 'Come, follow me,' Jesus said, 'and I will send you out to fish for people.' At once they left their nets and followed him." John says it a bit differently; "Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, 'We have found the Messiah' (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, 'You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas' (which, when translated, is Peter )." So (according to John) the first thing Jesus does is tell Simon that now his name is Peter. ("Jesus: King of first impressions.") Somehow he still decided to follow Jesus after that. He was probably a bit confused but intreagued by this strange Man.
His ministry seems to begin when Jesus sends the diciples out to preach and preform miracles (Matthew 10, Luke 9 and Mark 6, appearently John couldn't care less). This is little more than mentioned, although Jesus does give them specific instructions. Then he gives a phenomenal sermon at Pentacost (Acts 2:14-36) when the diciples are filled with the Holy Spirit after cowering in safety, scared that they would be persecuted. The Holy Spirit came and all that fear left. They weren't afraid for their lives and they openly preached in languages they didn't actully speak. Peter became a sort of leader to the diciples, which is most likely why he is now the first pope. He did miracles, he preached, he had visions, this guy pretty much did it all.
His story is still making a difference in people's lives, he is proof that Jesus can take someone who makes the stupidest mistakes and make him into someone who is so influental to the world. Being one of the very first Christians, it was important that he (and others) told as many people of Jesus's sacrifice, he took that responsebility seriously and it paid off. If he hid his faith, I might not be here, writing this blog.
So that's all for this post. Have a wonderful Easter and thank you so nuch for reading. It means a whole lot to me. God bless!
Sarah
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Molly
Hey all! So this post is going to be a bit different. It's also going to be a testimony. This is completly dedicated to my best friend, Molly. I haven't told you exactly how much you mean to me and how much I need you. Love you!
As you probably know, my brother Jon went to Peru in... I wanna say 2013. So three years ago. We have always been really close, we pretty much did everything together. I remember acting out the "Series of Unfortunate Events" books in our backyard (putting our own spin on it of course; most of the bad guys were good and the good guys bad). There are countless stories I could share with you about how we had a wonderful childhood, but this post is not about that. (But if you really do want more stories about me and Jon, just ask. I'd be glad to talk about it!) Anyway, he left and I probably didn't get depressed (not compared to how depressed some people can get), but I definitely wasn't the happiest I'd ever been. There were many times I went into my room and cried into my pillow (maybe hormones had a bit to do with that as well).
Well I had been friends with Molly for a bit before that (we really should have become official friends a long time ago, but we were both kind of shy). We had found that we both loved "Warriors" and "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic." Rory also loved those things and we started to roleplay as our OCs (own characters if you don't know much about roleplaying) we made for "Warriors." Molly made a website for us and we just let the creative juices flow! We plotted deaths (sinister laugh) and other horrible things to happen to our characters. After a while we each had at least two. By now you are probably wondering what this has to do with anything. Well, eventually I didn't cry into my pillow as much. It was getting rarer and rarer. (I had to look this up to see if it was correct. Stupid english!) I still do sometimes, but doesn't everybody? My roleplaying with my friends made me happier, it helped me cope. Friendship saved me from depression.
If you have ever wondered how you can make a difference, just remember this. Making a difference isn't always doing something like going to a foreign country to become a missionary. Be a friend, listen to someone's problems, let the pregnant mother with a two year old go before you at the grocery store, tell that fifteen year old that she's beatiful. That is what makes you different. That is what is going to make the world just a bit better. Because there is no way you can fix all the problems of the world, but you can make someone's day. Leave saving everyone to Jesus and do what you can to change one person's heart.
Okay. I'm literally shaking, this message is so powerful. This is also the fastest I've ever made a post. I keep making mistakes! Alright. Go to work or school or wherever you need to go and put this message to use! Don't just sit there! Thank you for reading and I'll see you next week! God bless.
Sarah
As you probably know, my brother Jon went to Peru in... I wanna say 2013. So three years ago. We have always been really close, we pretty much did everything together. I remember acting out the "Series of Unfortunate Events" books in our backyard (putting our own spin on it of course; most of the bad guys were good and the good guys bad). There are countless stories I could share with you about how we had a wonderful childhood, but this post is not about that. (But if you really do want more stories about me and Jon, just ask. I'd be glad to talk about it!) Anyway, he left and I probably didn't get depressed (not compared to how depressed some people can get), but I definitely wasn't the happiest I'd ever been. There were many times I went into my room and cried into my pillow (maybe hormones had a bit to do with that as well).
Well I had been friends with Molly for a bit before that (we really should have become official friends a long time ago, but we were both kind of shy). We had found that we both loved "Warriors" and "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic." Rory also loved those things and we started to roleplay as our OCs (own characters if you don't know much about roleplaying) we made for "Warriors." Molly made a website for us and we just let the creative juices flow! We plotted deaths (sinister laugh) and other horrible things to happen to our characters. After a while we each had at least two. By now you are probably wondering what this has to do with anything. Well, eventually I didn't cry into my pillow as much. It was getting rarer and rarer. (I had to look this up to see if it was correct. Stupid english!) I still do sometimes, but doesn't everybody? My roleplaying with my friends made me happier, it helped me cope. Friendship saved me from depression.
If you have ever wondered how you can make a difference, just remember this. Making a difference isn't always doing something like going to a foreign country to become a missionary. Be a friend, listen to someone's problems, let the pregnant mother with a two year old go before you at the grocery store, tell that fifteen year old that she's beatiful. That is what makes you different. That is what is going to make the world just a bit better. Because there is no way you can fix all the problems of the world, but you can make someone's day. Leave saving everyone to Jesus and do what you can to change one person's heart.
Okay. I'm literally shaking, this message is so powerful. This is also the fastest I've ever made a post. I keep making mistakes! Alright. Go to work or school or wherever you need to go and put this message to use! Don't just sit there! Thank you for reading and I'll see you next week! God bless.
Sarah
Monday, March 21, 2016
Jesus (finally!)
Hey, guys! First of all I want to apologise for not posting all of last week. I was on vacation (yeah, I know, it's no excuse, I had all the time in the world). But anyways, this is about Jesus (another apology, this time because there is no way any of us could ever do this Hero justice)! You'd think He'd be the first one to pop into my mind when thinking about who is making a difference, but oh well.
Jesus made a difference. I think we can all agree on that. Lets start with His miracles. My favorite is (and I'm sure you'll understand why) when He raised a girl from the dead. So Jesus was just walking around with His diciples when this poor guy (named Jarius) comes up to Him and asks Jesus to heal his daughter who is dying. Jesus follows him, but this woman comes up behind Him and she wants healing too. She had been bleeding for twelve years (which, interestingly, is how old Jarius's daughter was). She reaches out to touch His cloak, and He instantly feels power going out of Him. He asks who touched Him (insert stupid comment from His diciples) and she probably freaked out. I mean yes, she was completly healed, but she didn't know much about Him. Would He be angry? It took her a little bit but she told Him it was her, He forgave her sins, and poor Jarius received the news that his daughter was dead. This didn't stop Jesus. He went to her anyways, and He brought her back to life.
His death and resurrection made a difference above all else. Because He loves us so much that He would give His life to save us all from sin. But also that He would do it to save just one of us. He loves us as a whole but also individually.
First He was betrayed (but incredibly He forgave Judas, I mean, who does that?), He was carried off to be tried, Peter denied knowing Him, He was mocked, and then He was crucified. All for us. (If that doesn't make you feel a teeny bit guilty, you are completly numb.) He took our place and made the ultimate difference. He made a difference in the lives of everyone He healed (and probably their friends and families too), physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
So that concludes this post. I hope you enjoyed. I apologize for it not being cohesive and just kind of strange. Gosh, if I keep apologising, I'm going to have to apologise for apologising so many times! Anyway, love you and God bless you all!
Sarah
Jesus made a difference. I think we can all agree on that. Lets start with His miracles. My favorite is (and I'm sure you'll understand why) when He raised a girl from the dead. So Jesus was just walking around with His diciples when this poor guy (named Jarius) comes up to Him and asks Jesus to heal his daughter who is dying. Jesus follows him, but this woman comes up behind Him and she wants healing too. She had been bleeding for twelve years (which, interestingly, is how old Jarius's daughter was). She reaches out to touch His cloak, and He instantly feels power going out of Him. He asks who touched Him (insert stupid comment from His diciples) and she probably freaked out. I mean yes, she was completly healed, but she didn't know much about Him. Would He be angry? It took her a little bit but she told Him it was her, He forgave her sins, and poor Jarius received the news that his daughter was dead. This didn't stop Jesus. He went to her anyways, and He brought her back to life.
His death and resurrection made a difference above all else. Because He loves us so much that He would give His life to save us all from sin. But also that He would do it to save just one of us. He loves us as a whole but also individually.
First He was betrayed (but incredibly He forgave Judas, I mean, who does that?), He was carried off to be tried, Peter denied knowing Him, He was mocked, and then He was crucified. All for us. (If that doesn't make you feel a teeny bit guilty, you are completly numb.) He took our place and made the ultimate difference. He made a difference in the lives of everyone He healed (and probably their friends and families too), physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
So that concludes this post. I hope you enjoyed. I apologize for it not being cohesive and just kind of strange. Gosh, if I keep apologising, I'm going to have to apologise for apologising so many times! Anyway, love you and God bless you all!
Sarah
Sunday, March 6, 2016
Paul
Hey all! So before I get into this post, I have a personal update. You know how I talked about YWAM (Youth With a Mission) in my second post? Well, my other brother, TJ, has decided he is going to do one of their schools in Germany! So yeah, pretty exciting. (But I'm going to have to get used to being an only child. Hmmm.) Anyway, this one's about Paul the Apostle.
The reason I chose Paul is because my Seraphim drama team is doing a human video about him. This post may be a bit different since I have never met Paul. Everything I know about him I read in the bible or on Wikipedia.
The first mention of Paul in the bible is when Stephen was martyred in Acts 6 and 7. He held coats while people stoned Stephen. He is not mentioned again until his spetacular story of redemtion in Acts 9. Saul (not called Paul until later in the bible) was going to Damascus, looking for Christians to bring back to Jerusalem as prisoners. There was a light all around him. "He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?' 'Who are you, Lord?' Saul asked. 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' he replied. 'Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.'" (Acts 9:4-6 NIV) The people he was with were probably freaking out. They heard it all, but they didn't see a thing. Saul opened his eyes but he must have been terrified to find that he was blind. He still went to Damascus with help from his companions. He soon was found by Ananias who was told by God to heal Saul. Then it got weird. Something like fish scales fell from Saul's eyes, and his sight was restored.
Paul survived five whipppings, three beatings, a stoning, three shipwreaks and prison, but he kept his faith. His conversion is among the most well-known. He pursecuted Christians but did a complete 180 and wrote fourteen of the twenty-seven books in the New Testament. He is proof that God can use you no matter what you've done. And I think that's important for everyone to know. The story of Paul is still making a difference today, and I think it will continue to do so forever.
God Bless you all!
Sarah
The first mention of Paul in the bible is when Stephen was martyred in Acts 6 and 7. He held coats while people stoned Stephen. He is not mentioned again until his spetacular story of redemtion in Acts 9. Saul (not called Paul until later in the bible) was going to Damascus, looking for Christians to bring back to Jerusalem as prisoners. There was a light all around him. "He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?' 'Who are you, Lord?' Saul asked. 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' he replied. 'Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.'" (Acts 9:4-6 NIV) The people he was with were probably freaking out. They heard it all, but they didn't see a thing. Saul opened his eyes but he must have been terrified to find that he was blind. He still went to Damascus with help from his companions. He soon was found by Ananias who was told by God to heal Saul. Then it got weird. Something like fish scales fell from Saul's eyes, and his sight was restored.
Paul survived five whipppings, three beatings, a stoning, three shipwreaks and prison, but he kept his faith. His conversion is among the most well-known. He pursecuted Christians but did a complete 180 and wrote fourteen of the twenty-seven books in the New Testament. He is proof that God can use you no matter what you've done. And I think that's important for everyone to know. The story of Paul is still making a difference today, and I think it will continue to do so forever.
God Bless you all!
Sarah
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