“Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God… Saul, grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.” (Acts 9:19b-22)

Saul didn’t have a problem with boldness. He was a religious zealot for one cause or another. Now, all of his energy went to lifting up Jesus to the Jews living in Damascus. His personality fit perfectly with what the Lord was calling him to do. There were no disciples like him in Damascus. Yes, they were faithful but not bold and courageous evangelists like Saul. His experience with Jesus on the road changed his life. There would be no going back to his old ways. Saul was now a bold new creation in Jesus.

We might forget that each of us have different personalities. Especially when someone tries to get us to fit into their mold or we think we should be someone else. God made us the way we are for a purpose. We must celebrate that even to the point of knowing that we may not be as bold as Saul. We may be the more “regular” disciple who is faithful in faith and life. We have our role to play just like Saul, however. Let us strive to understand who God created us to be and take on that purpose. Let us be bold in our differences which add up to the praise of our God in Jesus.

Heavenly Father, the disciples prayed for boldness as they lived and witnessed their lives for Jesus. We ask You for boldness, and wisdom on how to lift up Jesus to our mission field. Help us by the power of Your Holy Spirit.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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