Saul (later named the apostle Paul), was suddenly and abruptly blinded by the Lord – and when his sight was taken away from him, he also did not eat or drink. What a mighty turning point, an immediate awakening by the hand of God upon this young, rich man’s life to say “nope, you’re mine and your life is about my Glory, not yours”….. The apostle Paul was a “chosen vessel” of the Lord. And the Lord said “great things Paul must suffer for HIS name’s sake.” In the word this morning I’m just thinking on how blind I was in my understanding of the Lord’s will in my life. How I’d tried to use the Lord to bless my life with the easy road… money, health, all the elements of “heaven on earth”, having no idea what the word meant by “those that love the world have enmity with God.” I used to pray for increase while ignoring those that had nothing. I used to pray for health and security, while looking at everyone suffering from illness as if they were a different breed, under some sort of curse (thinking that could never happen to us, we’re special). Why did Paul have to suffer for the sake of the Lord’s name? Why did a chosen vessel, housing the spirit of God not have a big mansion on a hill, perfect health, tons of friends and the story of happily ever after (on earth)? And through all Paul went through, beaten, jailed, lonely without a friend in the world, he said “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me”.. he had been taught by the Lord to endure unselfishly for the sake of others, to live outside of the worldly stuff that most folks make their objective and to boast only in the salivation of his soul, redeemed by the blood of Jesus. And through it all he rejoiced that he was found worthy of being tested and refined by his creator. Just sharing some of the thoughts I’ve had and continue to think about through our trials as I’m sure many are asking “why me” today… wondering why a Good God is allowing them to go through tough times.. have a blessed day in Jesus Christ.