The Power of a Windmill

Tonya, my co-teacher, and I recently finished a series of lessons about missionaries with our pre-kindergarten class. I loved sharing with them the life of Saul and how his life was transformed after meeting Jesus. By the power of the Holy Spirit, he quickly became one of the greatest missionaries recorded in God’s Word.

Saul’s story begins in Acts 9 as he threatens and causes the murder of many followers of God. Hearing of many believers in Damascus, he embarks on the journey only to be stopped by a light from heaven suddenly flashing around him. Falling to the ground, he hears a voice saying,

“Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” (Acts 9:4-6)

Saul lost his sight but gained Jesus. Though his eyes were blinded with darkness, for the first time, Saul could see. Being led to Damascus, Saul was unable to see for three days and in that time did not eat or drink.

Arranged by God, Ananias entered the home where Saul was staying. Though fearing this meeting, Ananias was assured by God that Saul was chosen by Him to share the gospel with all people. As he laid his hands on Saul, Ananias said,

“Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 9:17)

Having accepted the gift of salvation, Saul, later called Paul, was filled with the Holy Spirit. Scales fell from his eyes, and he could see. From persecuting believers to being persecuted himself for the cause of Christ, Paul shared the gospel wherever God asked him to go.

What took place with Paul at his salvation is the same with each believer. With forgiveness and the penalty of sin paid through Christ’s death on the cross, the Holy Spirit enters a new believer’s life and begins the work of making them more like Christ.

Paul’s story has been on my mind as I have thought about his transformed life and the work God gave him to do. His life was now sought as he lived life for Christ. With the power of the Holy Spirit, he not only got through challenging times but proclaimed Christ to many.

Last week my travels took me to Fort Wayne, Indiana. Fields of windmills churned, powered by the wind. Scattered through the area, each worked in its own given section. Wind caused the blades of the windmills to circle round and round. I could not see the wind, but I knew it was there. That quiet, hidden movement reminded me of how the Holy Spirit works in our hearts. I imagined each believer standing in the field, chosen by God, and given their own section. Just as Paul was chosen in Acts 9:15 as God’s “chosen instrument to take My name to Gentiles, kings, and the Israelites,” we were each chosen and given our own section of the world. The work God asks us to do is not without the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit filled you the moment you accepted Christ’s gift of salvation. He is strong and powerful and enables you to do the things God calls you to do. So, who is in your neighborhood? What opportunities do you have to bless them and have conversations to help them see Jesus? Have your eyes been opened to truly see Jesus? Is God is calling you today to accept His precious gift or is He calling you to share that gift with another?

No, we are not all Paul, but the same power that equipped Paul is in those who know Jesus. Can you imagine the changes that would take place in the world if each believer allowed the Holy Spirit to do His work in their corner of the world? The fields are ripe. Let Him use you.

In His Love,

Susan