Goaded to Obedience

Resisting the Call

Have you ever fought against what you knew was right? Saul did. Before he became the most influential missionary in history, Saul (known later as Paul) was a relentless persecutor of the early church. He was committed to silencing the message of Jesus, convinced that his path was right. But God had other plans. On the road to Damascus, Saul was struck by a blinding light, stopped in his tracks, and confronted with the very truth he was trying to destroy. In that moment, everything changed. Sometimes, the hardest lessons come when we resist what God is calling us to do. Like Saul, we kick against the goads, pushing back against conviction, but in the end, it’s His love that draws us back to the path we were meant to walk.

When lives are changed by Jesus, entire communities are transformed and united with a purpose.

Obedience Through Faithful People

Saul’s encounter with Jesus was just the beginning. Blinded and helpless, he was led to Damascus where God sent Ananias, an ordinary believer, to pray for him. Can you imagine the fear Ananias must have felt? Saul’s reputation was well-known—he ravaged the church both violently and legally. But Ananias obeyed, trusting that God’s plan was bigger than Saul’s past. After a simple prayer, Saul’s sight was restored, and his heart transformed. God didn’t just change Saul; He used ordinary people to do it. Our obedience, even in small things, can have extraordinary impact when placed in God’s hands.

A New Mission and a Bold Witness

Saul’s conversion wasn’t just a personal miracle—it was a commissioning. He didn’t waste time; as soon as his sight was restored, he began preaching boldly that Jesus is the Son of God. The persecutor became the preacher. His radical transformation confused those who once knew him. How could someone so committed to destroying the church now be its most passionate advocate? But that is the beauty of grace: it redefines us. Saul’s story is a reminder that no one is too far gone, and that God’s mission is advanced by those who are bold enough to step out in faith.

Transformation Is Just the Beginning

Saul’s life change marked the beginning of a global movement. He would go on to write letters that still encourage and instruct believers today. His testimony shows us that when God grabs hold of a life, everything changes—not just for the person, but for the world around them. Maybe you’ve been resisting a call, kicking against the goads like Saul did. Maybe you’ve been afraid to step out like Ananias. But God still uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. Will you let Him use you?

— AARON DININNY

[Multiply] Executive Director