We are all clay in the potter’s hand. See 2 Corinthians 4:6-7. When God saves a person he has do some things with that person before he can use them. You are not the same person when God first saved you. If not then you have not grown!

1 – His seclusion in Arabia (Galatians 1:13-17)

In Arabia God is using seclusion. Paul is out there alone in a barren area for three years. It was the same area that Moses and Elijah had gone into. Saul was all alone with God. God was able to speak to his heart. Saul knew the law but he did not know Jesus. Today we no longer make time to get alone with God. Saul went in Arabia and came back alive for God. When you honour God in private then God will honour you in public.

• The response to that call – “Behold I am here Lord”. This is the way we ought to respond to the Lord when he calls us. This is a similar response to those in the Old Testament when God called Abraham, Jacob and Moses. What is your answer to God’s call? God can call you to do many things.
• The requirements – God tells Ananias where to go. God also tells Ananias what to do and whom to see. Go always has his man or woman who will do his bidding. God always has a plan. You take care of your responsibility.

2 – His suffering in Damascus (Galatians 1:17 & Acts 9:22-25)

Saul has to be let down from the city wall in a basket. They wanted to kill Saul. Everywhere Saul goes they are going to want to kill him. God will use pain and suffering in your life for a purpose. Don’t waste it. God can use it in your life. The potter will shape the clay and then put it in the fire for strength. God lets storms come in our lives to prepare us for future battles. God will use suffering in your life to mould you and make you who he wants you to be. The clay does not look up at the potter and tell him what to do. You will get trials in the Christian life. Saul also got a basket of blessings! God will release you from your suffering.

3 – His service in Jerusalem (Galatians 1:18 & Acts 9:26-29)

Saul is coming to join the church. They were all afraid (vs. 26). It was Barnabas (vs. 27) who takes Saul into his confidence. He is “Mr Encouragement” in the Bible. If you want God to use you – you must join a local Church. It is important that you serve God in a local Church.

4 – His silence in Tarsus (Galatians 1:18 & Acts 9:30)

Saul is going to his home town. He has a story to tell his family. They realise he is a different man. We are no told what happens in Tarsus. There is a period of silence in the Bible. There are times of silence when it seems that God is not using you. Have you ever been there? Most of us have. God knows where you live! God does not work according to your watch. We get miserable because we try to manipulate God. In Acts 11:25-26 Barnabas goes to get Saul. Saul was minding his own business when God calls him for service. Saul goes to Antioch to start a church and the rest of history. Saul writes most of the books in the New Testament and takes the Gospel to the know world. God knows how to develop you. You are a miracle in the making. But he will do it his own way.

5 – The Potter’s tools

• God may use some strange tools to shape you. He can use silence, suffering and even the Devil.
• The ugliest periods in your life can bring out the most beautiful character in your life.
• God will use dark periods so don’t give up during dark days.
• God is always teaching, so look for the lessons.
• It hurts for the potter to remove the flaws. We don’t want to lose our flaws but God wants to move it out of our lives.
• Wait on the Lord.
• You need to understand that you will not understand everything. You don’t need to, as God never makes a mistake.

Categories: Acts