Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, prepare me to receive your word. Clear my mind and warm my heart. Assure me of your loving purposes for me, and speak into my life today.
A 'Damascus Road experience' has come to stand for anything that completely changes someone's perspective on life. This is the original, and it's a key moment for the early Church. Bitterly opposed to the gospel of Jesus, Paul – Saul, as he still was – meets the living Christ and realises how wrong he has been.
His Damascus Road experience has a shattering effect on him. His physical blindness echoes his spiritual blindness. He eats and drinks nothing for three days. He is clearly unable to function at all, until he's restored by the coming of a brave and devoted disciple, Ananias.
Not all 'conversion' experiences are like this, and we shouldn't try to suggest that they should be. In any case, it wasn't that Paul suddenly started believing in God – though he did start believing in Jesus. Nevertheless, his eyes were opened to something new and wonderful, and he was never the same again.
It's easy to imagine that we have our lives sorted, and that one day is going to be just like another. But sometimes God breaks in and does something completely different, and sets our lives off on an entirely new track. By its nature, this isn't something we can prepare for. Perhaps, though, it's something we ought to be bold enough to pray for, and – once we've got over the shock – to be thankful for.
God, if you change things so I have to come to terms with new ways and new thinking, help me to accept it with rejoicing.
This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor
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