During the construction of a church, two doors for the sanctuary were delivered as solid doors with no windows. As they were being installed, the Pastor got concerned that people would get hurt since the doors were hinged to swing in both directions - in and out. Since you couldn't see who might be on the other side you could swing the door into someone coming through. So, they decided to cut a slot in each door, close to the edge, and put in a piece of glass so you could see from either side if someone was also trying to come through them, thus avoiding the accidental collisions. The two pieces of wood that were cut out were going to be tossed away. Suddenly, the Pastor figured that they would need a nice cross over the baptismal tank! So instead of throwing away the two pieces of wood cut out of the doors, he asked the builders to repurpose them and make a cross to hang in the baptismal area. So, what would have been tossed away became the materials used to make that cross that is still there to this day. He even mentioned to the Elders at that time that Jesus said he was the "*door*", so now the cross came from the door. 

God always tries to repurpose our lives so that we can live a life that is both pleasing to Him and productive for this world. God changes people, and changed people change the world! We are never too bad for God to repurpose!

 

1.*THIS IS US* - Misguided! *(Acts 9:1-3)*

Saul’s hatred for Christians was intense! He diligently pursued Christians, even in distant places, believing he was serving God by eliminating these believers known as "The Way." Saul's actions were heartless and relentless.

 

Many influential figures in the Bible began as misguided souls:

• Moses killed an Egyptian out of zeal, causing him to be an outcast and flee Egypt. 

• Matthew, a tax collector? A very unlikely discipleship candidate! 

• Peter and Andrew, fishermen, were not the expected world-changers.

• All Simon wanted to do was overthrow Rome, he was a Zealot! 

 

*Acts 9:8* Saul was struck down on the road to Damascus and he was blinded for 3 days without food or water……..before that experience, he heard Jesus ask him why he was persecuting Jesus!

Notice that Jesus didn't say he was persecuting the followers, but Jesus Himself!

 

….but God had a plan to repurpose his life when he sends Ananias on an assignment! 

 

2.*THIS IS GOD* - Merciful! *(Acts 9:15-17)*

Despite Ananias' misgivings about Saul, God asked him to “*Go!*” – He had chosen Saul and he wanted to show him how much he had to suffer for His name.

 

What man saw as Saul, God saw as Paul the Apostle!

 

_But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”

Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit_

 

 

1. Ask God to help you to see yourself through his eyes, as a vessel ready to be repurposed for his kingdom's work. Grant you the courage to believe in his transformative power, and to embrace the changes he desires for you. (Romans 12:2)

 

2. Father, help me to surrender my doubts, and insecurities to you, knowing that your plans are perfect. 

 

3. Father, empower me to live out my faith, to share your love and truth with those around me, regardless of their past or present. 

 

4. Father, give me a new identity in you! (2 Corinthians 5:17)

 

5. Father, transform the lives of those who seem far from You, and are trapped in their old ways. (Romans 5:8)