“The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.” (Acts 9:7-9)

Saul was not alone on his quest to capture Jews that were followers of Jesus. His team was following his lead. Take out the leader and the others would have no authority to complete the mission. This Jesus does, knocking Saul off his horse, speaking to him, and causing Him to be blind. That was a dramatic event for Saul that caused him to isolate himself in prayer and fasting for three days. He was done with his mission and waiting for the Lord’s direction.

When has Jesus knocked us off our high-horse and spoken to us, to correct our erring way in service to Him? It is something we may not think about but is essential if we are to remain on the correct, narrow way our God has for us. At these times we need to stop and pray for the Lord’s direction. The Lord might have to add some sign for us to experience, in order to get us to change directions. We acknowledge, as His children, this is our desire. Yes, Lord, correct us when necessary so our mission for You can be fulfilled.

Heavenly Father, even though we know we are Yours, and You have a purpose for our life, we still drift off in wrong pursuits. Correct our erring ways, we pray. We would ask You do this gently, but if necessary, jolt us like You did Saul. Truly, we desire to be in Your will for us.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Pastor Robert Forsberg is retired from Light of Christ Lutheran Church in Fairborn.