Monday of Easter Week 3 – Devotion

Text: Acts 9:1–19a

Change is hard. Most people assume they can’t truly change—or that others can’t either. We carry the weight of our past or view others through the lens of theirs. But Easter tells a different story: because Jesus is risen, no one is beyond redemption.

Acts 9 introduces us to Saul, the feared persecutor of Christians. He is zealous, intelligent, and dangerous. But Jesus meets him—not with vengeance, but with mercy. A blinding light knocks Saul to the ground, and a voice speaks: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” Notice Jesus doesn’t say, “my church,” but “me.” To harm God’s people is to strike at Christ Himself. Saul’s world shatters. He is led blind into Damascus, where God sends a reluctant disciple, Ananias, to restore his sight. Saul will become Paul—the apostle to the Gentiles, writer of much of the New Testament, and a living testimony to resurrection power.

No one is too far gone—not your rebellious teen, not your skeptical coworker, not you. Jesus transforms persecutors into preachers. And He doesn’t wait for us to clean ourselves up first. He meets us in the mess, interrupts our rebellion, and brings light into our darkness.

Do you believe change is possible for you? For others? Pray for those who seem unreachable. Ask Jesus to confront and convert—to turn their stories (and yours) into trophies of grace. And when He calls you to go, like Ananias, say yes, even when it feels risky. You never know whose life hangs in the balance.

Transform Our Hearts Through Prayer
Lord Jesus, You are the God of transformation. No one is beyond Your reach. Soften our hearts to believe that truth. Forgive our cynicism. Give us courage like Ananias to obey Your voice, even when we fear. Holy Spirit, change us—and use us to be part of the change in others. Amen.