Saturday, June 26, 2004

Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
(Acts 9.3-4 NRSV)

---

CHANGE IS DIFFICULT, BUT IT IS POSSIBLE. St. Paul is the best evidence of that. He had been a fierce persecutor of the Christian community. Suddenly, he became its most eloquent spokesperson. His story has been repeated millions of times throughout history. People can and do change. However, there is usually a progression.

WE MUST WANT TO CHANGE. We change when it is too painful to remain as we are.

Workers in Akron, Ohio, are busy restoring an unpretentious home, seeking to return it to its Depression-era appearance. It was once the home of Dr. Robert Holbrook Smith, commonly known as Dr. Bob. It was Dr. Bob who along with Bill Wilson created Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).

A National Historic Landmark and a State Historic Site that opened to the public in 1985, the house is visited by many who travel there simply to have a cup of coffee. They want to sit for a few moments in the kitchen of the house where Dr. Bob and Wilson launched the program in an effort to keep each other sober. Although it got off to a slow start, AA gradually grew into an international organization that has helped countless individuals achieve and maintain sobriety.

There are thousands of members of Alcoholics Anonymous who can tell you that change is possible. But you have to want to change. Few people even attempt change unless staying like they are is more painful.

---

Dear God, help me to change from my sinful ways to your ways of love and grace. Amen.

Ron Newhouse

---

Help Promote Devotions.Net | Past Devotions

---

| Home | Bible | Devotions | Humor | Visitors | Links |