“They only were hearing it said, ‘He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.’” – Galatians 1:23
The stunning testimony of the Apostle Paul centered on the way Jesus turned him right around in his Christian-hating tracks and transforming him into the most fervent of followers, evangelists, and church planters. Paul’s transformation shocked and encouraged the early church. It was a vivid reminder of how powerful the Lord Jesus truly is.
The good news is that Jesus has been doing things like this ever since. He still miraculously turned hardened opponents into faithful followers. He’s doing it right now, all over the world. He really is! So, if you’re a follower of Jesus, don’t become discouraged by the number and kinds of people who are attacking Christians. Instead, drop to your knees in prayer for Jesus to take hold of more of them. Think of those most opposed to our unchanging faith in Jesus Christ, whether because of their politics, personal lifestyle, or religious upbringing. Then pray for them specifically and boldly.
Pray for them to have a miraculous encounter with Jesus. Pray for them to hear and respond to the Gospel. Pray for them to be deeply convicted about their sins and to find forgiveness for them in Christ. Pray for modern-day Pauls to be raised up in all the nations, factions, dictatorships, and movements around the world. Pray for revival and awakening to break out in the most unlikely of places, both here and abroad. Pray for those currently persecuting you to suddenly #FollowJesus