Acts 13-14, 16-20
Romans 1, 3-6, 8, 12, 15
1 Corinthians 1, 3, 5-6, 10, 12-13, 15-16
Galatians 1, 3, 5-6
1 Thessalonians 1-5

When I was growing up, some of my favorite things to read were "choose your own adventure” books. I liked being able to pick which way the story would go. 

Here’s an example: you’re scuba diving in the ocean and suddenly find yourself surrounded by sharks. What do you do? Your choices are to hide behind a rock and wait for the sharks to leave or swim away as fast as you can. 

What would you chose? Your choice will continue the story on another page. Sometimes the outcome is what you wanted. Other times the adventure takes an unexpected turn.

Our lives are a bit like a these types of books. At some point in your life, you have to choose which path you'll take next.

Check out Acts 9:1-19. This story has a bit of a choose your own adventure feel, but it was Saul who had to pick what would happen next in his life.

Saul was a man who hated all disciples of Jesus. He disliked them so much that he would have them arrested in the cities he visited. 

One day, Saul was walking to Damascus, possibly even to arrest more Christians. Suddenly, a bright light shines down on him. In this moment, Jesus speaks saying, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” I love Saul’s answer here, “Who are you, LORD?” He knew, without a doubt, that this was God speaking to him. 

Saul is blinded during this encounter with Christ and his friends have to lead him the rest of the way into Damascus. For the next three days, Saul is unable to see. He doesn’t eat or drink. Saul waits in the darkness.

Can you imagine that? I wonder what that experience was like? 

It isn’t over for Saul. His story is about to change.

God sends a man named Ananias to restore Saul’s sight. It’s a pretty crazy scene. Ananias lays his hands on Saul, something like scales fall from his eyes, and his sight returns! But now Saul has a choice. What will he do next?

He could believe the testimony that Ananias shared with him and receive the Holy Spirit. This would give him the opportunity to live for Jesus and share truth, grace and love with the world.

Or, he could go back to his old ways, persecuting, speaking against God, and putting believers in prison. This would be familiar, the life he lived before. Saul has to choose his own adventure.

Look at Saul’s life in the beginning verses from today’s scripture: What or who does it appear is the most important priority in his life? 

Similarly, if there were a snapshot of your life: What would someone say is your mission or most important priority?

Saul made a choice, but the Holy Spirit was at work too! This is the same Holy Spirit that came at Pentecost and that descended and entered into the disciples of Jesus. The Spirit worked in Saul’s heart and mind, through the Gospel Message and the truth that was shared by Ananias. Saul listened to the Spirit’s direction, he believed and he was baptized. Saul, chose his adventure, and it was no longer about what he wanted, it was all about giving his entire life to God. 

Saul’s name changes to Paul. He becomes one of the greatest writers and witnesses for Jesus Christ to ever live.

There is a question for all of us here: Will I pursue God’s mission or the my own? Will I prioritize God in my life or myself? 

Everyone is on a mission or prioritizes someone: it is either God or themselves. You get to choose your own adventure. Which will you choose?