Pain often feels like an unwelcome guest in our lives, one that disrupts our plans and leaves us questioning God’s purpose. Yet, as we see in the story of Saul’s conversion in Acts 9, pain can be a divine tool—a crucible where transformation takes place. Acts 9:11 offers us a glimpse into how God uses even the most challenging moments to mould us into His chosen instruments.
Acts 9:11 King James Version
And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
The Context of Saul’s Journey
Saul’s story is one of radical transformation. Once a fierce persecutor of Christians, he was stopped in his tracks by a blinding light and the voice of Jesus on the road to Damascus. This encounter left him physically blind but spiritually awakened. For three days, Saul fasted and prayed, grappling with the weight of his past and the reality of his encounter with Christ.
God’s instruction to Ananias in Acts 9:11 reveals something profound: “For he is praying.” Those words signify a turning point in Saul’s life. The man who once relied on his own strength and zeal now turned to God in humility and dependence. It was through this period of blindness and prayer that Saul began his journey toward becoming Paul, the apostle who would spread the gospel to the Gentiles.
Pain as God’s Refining Tool
Pain is not meaningless. In fact, Scripture consistently shows us that suffering can be a pathway to spiritual growth. Consider these truths about pain from Saul’s story:
- Pain Leads to Surrender: Saul’s blindness forced him to stop and reflect. In our own lives, pain often strips away distractions and brings us to a place of surrender where we can truly hear God’s voice.
- God Works Through Weakness: Saul’s physical blindness symbolized his spiritual dependence on God. Similarly, our moments of weakness allow God’s strength to shine through (2 Corinthians 12:9).
- Preparation Through Pain: Just as Saul’s three days of prayer prepared him for his mission, our struggles often prepare us for greater purposes we cannot yet see.
James 1:2-4 reminds us to “count it all joy” when we face trials because they produce perseverance and maturity. Paul himself later wrote in Romans 5:3-5 that suffering produces endurance, character, and hope—a hope rooted in God’s love poured into our hearts.
Ananias’ Courageous Obedience
An often-overlooked part of this story is Ananias’ role. When God instructed him to go to Saul, Ananias hesitated, knowing Saul’s violent reputation. Yet he obeyed, becoming an instrument of healing and encouragement. Ananias’ obedience reminds us that God often uses others to help us grow through our pain—and sometimes calls us to be that help for someone else.
When Ananias laid hands on Saul, his sight was restored, and he was filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:17). This act of faith not only transformed Saul but also strengthened Ananias’ trust in God’s plan. It shows us that stepping out in faith, even when it feels risky or uncomfortable, can lead to incredible blessings.
Lessons for Our Lives
Saul’s story teaches us that pain is not the end—it is often the beginning of something new and beautiful. Here are some practical ways we can grow through our own struggles:
- Pray with Honesty: Like Saul, bring your pain before God in prayer. He hears you and longs to meet you in your brokenness.
- Trust God’s Timing: Transformation takes time. Trust that God is working behind the scenes, even when you don’t see immediate results.
- Seek Community: Just as Ananias supported Saul, surround yourself with people who can encourage you and walk alongside you during difficult times.
- Embrace Your Calling: Pain often prepares us for new purposes. Be open to how God might use your experiences to bless others.
Finding Hope in Christ
Jesus never promised a life free from pain; instead, He assured us of His presence through it all (John 16:33). Paul later wrote in Romans 8:28 that “all things work together for good for those who love God.” This doesn’t mean every situation will feel good but that every experience—joyful or painful—can be used by God for His glory and our growth.
If you are walking through a season of pain today, know this: God sees you. He hears your prayers just as He heard Saul’s. Your pain is not wasted; it is shaping you into who God has called you to be.
Read More About This Devotional
Words of Wisdom: Conflict and Redemption: Finding God’s Purpose in Disputes
Quote of the Day: “The pain we have experienced up to now was to save us from death”
A Closing Reflection
Acts 9:11 reminds us that even in our darkest moments, God is at work. Like Saul, we may feel blinded by our circumstances, but those very moments can become opportunities for transformation when we turn to God in prayer and surrender.
Take comfort in knowing that your struggles are not without purpose. As you pray and seek Him today, may you find strength in His presence and hope in His promises. Remember that just as He transformed Saul into Paul—a chosen instrument—He can use your pain to bring about something extraordinary.
Scripture Reading for the Day
Proverbs 4 King James Version
1Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.
2 For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.
3 For I was my father’s son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.
4 He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.
5 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.
6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.
7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
8 Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.
9 She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.
10 Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.
11 I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.
12 When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.
13 Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.
14 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.
15 Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.
16 For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.
17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.
18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
19 The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.
20 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.
21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.
22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.
23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
24 Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.
25 Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.
26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.
27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.
