He was a persecutor, but for the “right” cause, or so he thought. Zealous for the truth… or at least for what he believed the truth to be. His name was Saul, and little did he know that a complete lifestyle and mindset reset awaited him when he came face to face with the Truth. Not only would his name change, but his heart would too.
Letting go of your truth
Have you ever been so convinced you were doing the right thing, only to realize—when confronted with Biblical truth—that you were actually doing the opposite? Just as it happened to Paul, formerly known as Saul a.k.a the persecutor of Christians, it can happen to any of us.
This is a real danger many believers face: confusing our truth with The Truth. And that confusion can be costly.
The only way to avoid it is through daily encounters with The Truth. But we must come prepared—with an open mind and a humble heart. Something powerful happens when you open the Bible, seeking to hear God’s voice rather than affirming your own. When you are willing to obey, even when it’s inconvenient.
The Truth can be so bright that it feels dazzling. And yes, that can be painful. But that same Truth will change your life—and above all, it will set you free.
A powerful lesson
Saul didn’t just change his mind; he surrendered his entire life and became Paul. He went from persecuting the followers of Jesus to becoming one of His most devoted followers himself. From hunting down believers to building up the Church, Paul’s transformation reminds us that encountering Jesus won’t always align with our beliefs, but it will always redefine our direction.
Paul didn’t lose himself when he surrendered his version of truth; he became who he was always meant to be. And the same is true for us. Every encounter with Jesus invites us to lay down our certainty, pride, and assumptions and to walk in the freedom He alone can give.
“I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, but I was shown mercy…”
—1 Timothy 1:13
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