Bible Text: Acts 9:20-31 | Speaker: Blake Nichols | Series: Acts | Transformed!
Acts 9:20-31
 Saul (Paul) was chosen.

Paul was chosen but faced opposition from both Jews and Christians. His reaction to opposition was boldness….a boldness because of his value of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Paul was chosen but had to wait. Acts 9:23 tells us many days had elapsed.  It was actually three years according to Galatians 1:18.  Through times of waiting, we can be confident that God is up to something.  He never has to say oops.  Be willing to wait until God reveals His purpose.
Paul was chosen but had to suffer. There are many examples in the Bible of those who suffered patiently such as Joseph (20 years), Moses (40 years in the wilderness), and Paul (17 years before his first missionary journey).  Suffering results in patience, character, and integrity. It prepares us for ministry and teaches us that God is faithful.

 Our hope chest

Ephesians 3:20:  Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us…

Hope is how we get through the hard times.  Hope is powerful.

Four things to remember:

God is in control.
God is able.
God loves us.
There is a plan.