Believe God for Radical Transformation

by Beth Morrison, ICM Prayer Volunteer and Author

“But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.”  Acts 9:15 ESV

When God called Ananias to lay hands on Saul and restore his sight, the disciple had reservations. As he explained to the Lord, Saul didn’t have a good reputation, having done many evil things to God’s children, including murder. Saul held the coats of those who stoned Stephen, the first Christian martyr.

When Saul left for Jerusalem, he intended to persecute any man or woman belonging to the Way. But on the road to Damascus, God intervened. A light from heaven shone around him, and the Lord spoke. “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”

Speechless from witnessing Saul’s encounter, they helped their now-blinded friend find his way to Damascus. I would love to know their conversations once they started talking again. Witnessing a radical transformation changes people’s lives.

Saul persecuted people because he didn’t have a true understanding of God’s heart.

When he encountered the Savior and received the gift of salvation, he gained divine wisdom. The transformation on the road to Damascus not only gave Saul hope, but it still gives us hope today.

As part of ICM’s prayer team, I get to hear story after story, week after week, of radical transformation. People putting their lives in danger, living under the threat of death, trust Jesus. And when they do, like the woman Jesus met at the well, they want to share the living water with everyone.

And for the desperate mother, praying for her wayward child, she longs for them to have a Damascus Road experience. As does a wife praying for her husband’s heart to change or a friend who refuses to give up on someone battling addiction. Whether a church member prays for someone who feels unworthy of God or a grandparent prays for the next generation, Saul’s transformation gives them hope.

From murderer to missionary, Saul to Paul, when God meets you on the road to Damascus, everything changes. Radical transformation occurs. Lives begin anew, the past forgotten, as the Lord gives us the opportunity to start again.

What God did once, He can do again.

Believe in radical transformation. Pray for it and expect the Lord to answer in a mighty way.

Commit to praying specifically for someone in your life whom you want to experience radical transformation. Pray that God softens their heart and opens their eyes to His truth. Ask for the Lord to give them divine encounters that will draw them closer to Jesus. Pray expectantly for God to move.

Write down the name of the person you want to experience radical transformation. Don’t just pray for them; ask God how He might use you to make a difference in their life.

Believe God for Radical Transformation