Connect Saul's experience in Acts 9:6 with Proverbs 3:5-6 on trusting God. Setting the Scene Saul the persecutor travels to Damascus, meets the risen Christ, and his entire worldview shatters in a single blaze of glory. A voice from heaven gives him one clear directive. What Saul Heard: Acts 9:6 “Now get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you must do.” What Wisdom Teaches: Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;” “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Thread That Ties Them • Both passages pivot on relinquishing self-direction. • Saul must rise and move without knowing details; the proverb tells every believer to acknowledge God, not self, as navigator. • God promises further guidance after obedience—Saul receives instructions in Damascus, the proverb promises straight paths. Three Truths About Trusting God • Trust begins when revelation confronts personal plans. Saul’s career collapses the moment Christ speaks (Philippians 3:7-8). • Trust requires immediate obedience. Saul acts before sight returns; trust steps first, explanation follows (Hebrews 11:8). • Trust unlocks purpose. Saul’s surrender births an apostolic calling; trust always positions the believer for God-given destiny (Jeremiah 29:11). Steps of Trust in Saul’s Story 1. Hear—Christ’s voice pierces the old life. 2. Humble—he falls, blinded, utterly dependent (Psalm 51:17). 3. Obey—he rises and goes, led by others, no resistance. 4. Wait—three days of darkness and prayer stretch faith (Psalm 27:14). 5. Receive—Ananias arrives, sight returns, mission revealed. Living It Out Today • Start the day by offering plans to the Lord; refuse to lean on mere logic. • Obey the next clear instruction of Scripture or Spirit without stalling. • Accept seasons of waiting as part of the straight path God promises. • Expect fresh direction after each obedient step, just as Saul did. • Celebrate small confirmations—doors opening, counsel aligning—as God’s way of keeping the path level (Isaiah 30:21). Scripture Echoes • Isaiah 55:8-9—God’s thoughts higher than ours, reinforcing Proverbs 3:5-6. • Psalm 37:5—“Commit your way to the LORD… He will act.” • Romans 12:1-2—presented lives transformed for discerning God’s will. • 2 Corinthians 5:7—walking by faith, not by sight—Saul’s literal experience. |
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