My hope today is that by reviewing the conversion of Saul and the following passage, we are inspired to pray big and “impossible” prayers.

Saul was not just apathetic towards God, he was not questioning his faith, or seeking; he was an active enemy of God. Yet, God chose Saul and met him on the road to Damascus and changed his life forever—literally. From Saul’s perspective this is denoted within his last words before conversion and his first recorded words as a believer: “Who are you, Lord?” [v.5] and “He is the Son of God.” [v.20].

This amazes the people. But shouldn’t it? Let’s not skip over the impossible nature of this change. What was dead was made alive, what was lost forever was found, he who was against the gospel became its biggest proponent. But with God, all things are possible.

With God all things are possible…Prayers don’t change God, but they change us. Do our prayers, does our faith reflect that? What are we praying for, what are we waiting on God to do, what tombs are we waiting for, expecting God to bring dead things to life out of?

[Acts 9.19-22]

9.19 For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. 20 And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” 21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?” 22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What are Saul’s first recorded words as a Christian?

+ What is the emotional response of the people to Saul's actions?

+ What is their verbal response?

+ What do you think is the “proof” Saul had that Jesus was Christ

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ How does our heart respond to the idea of someone like Saul coming to faith today? Do we really believe it’s possible?

+ If so, how does our prayer life reflect that? Are you making big and impossible prayers?

+ If not, how do you think big and impossible prayers could change that?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Who is my impossible prayer request? Am I praying for them often?

+ Who can I join in prayer with to pray big prayers?

+ Who can I share how God answered an impossible prayer and saved me?