A Changed Life

Do you desire a changed life?  When Saul of Tarsus started trusting God more, his life took on a whole new dimension – a whole new identity!  Jesus changed Saul’s life!  We must trust God with everything.  When Saul had become the great Apostle Paul, he was able to make this statement to the Philippians: “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.  I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound.  In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.  I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”  That is a changed life!

After Saul’s conversion on the Damascus road, Ananias laid hands on Saul, “And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight” (Acts 9:18).  That sounds like a man with a changed life!  Once it settled into his mind what it was like to really follow Jesus, Saul’s life was radically changed!

Ananias had a similar experience.  Jesus went to Ananias and said I want you to go to this man, who is praying in the city.  And you can imagine Ananias thinking, I have heard of this man, Saul, and this is a BAD idea!  He operated out of common sense.  But he did what he was told.  So, Ananias went to Saul and laid hands on him, and said two of the most beautiful words in the entire New Testament: “Brother Saul!”  Ananias, who was a follower of Jesus Christ, lays his hand on a man who has been persecuting believers.  It didn’t make any sense to him, but he just did what he was told.  He did this not because it made any sense to him – but because Jesus told him to do it.  Jesus changes people’s lives – if we are willing to be obedient to his call!

If you get close to Jesus and are obedient, you will be all right.  So, allow Jesus to get into your life and do what you’re told!  Jesus desires to change our lives.  So, again, do you need a changed life?  Jesus changes lives!!