Light of the World

Written By Betty Predmore

ACTS 21:37 - 22:16 (July 3)

If you have accepted Jesus into your heart, you have a transformation story... a story about the moment that he spoke to you, the moment you were certain that he was Lord of Lords and King of Kings.

Maybe you grew up knowing Jesus. It was the natural next step to invite him into your heart. There was no surprise, just the beauty of it.

Or maybe Jesus came into your life later, after you had done some things you aren't proud of, and people around you were amazed by the change in you. And you were amazed by the feelings of hope and promise that soothed away all the pains of the past.

Paul's story was much like the second possibility. After living a life of persecuting believers, his transformation was an incredible, blinding (literally) experience.

There is a song that these scriptures bring to mind:

Light of the world, You stepped down into darkness

Opened my eyes, let me see

Beauty that made this heart adore You

Hope of a life spent with You

And here I am to worship

Here I am to bow down

Here I am to say that You're my God

You're altogether lovely

Altogether worthy

Altogether wonderful to me

That Light of the World stepped down into Paul's darkness and opened his eyes (after closing them for a brief time) and helped him see. He saw that what he had been doing was so wrong. He saw that God loved him and had an enormous plan for his life. He saw the truth of the Good News.

And as the Roman commander was about to take him inside, Paul asked to speak with him. He asked the commander, using the Greek language. He did this to show that he was cultured and educated, not just a common rebel starting riots in the streets. He explained that he was not who the commander thought he was, and then he asked to speak to the crowd.

He addressed the crowd in Aramaic to communicate to them and show them he was a devout Jew and had respect for the Jewish laws and customs.

Hearing him speak in their language surprised and silenced them. They listened intently to his words as he shared his testimony. He told them about his dreadful past filled with persecution of believers. He explained all he had done in his wickedness.

Then he went on to share with them about the event that changed the entire direction of his life. He spoke about that meeting on the road to Damascus, and how that bright light engulfed him. He explained in great detail about his first meeting with the Light of the World.

Paul was proud of this moment in his life, where he was given the opportunity to make a change. He was grateful for that meeting, for that light that surrounded him, and for the heart change he experienced.

Is that moment of heart change something you think about often? Do you share it with those who need to hear? I know I could certainly do a better job of sharing my testimony of faith.

We need to make it a priority to share with others, telling them about how God took our ashes and made them beauty. How did he work through our heartaches? Through our sorrows and pain? How has he helped us overcome fear, worry and doubt?

How has he brought joy into our lives and made us feel worthy in an unworthy world? How has he stepped out of the darkness and opened our eyes?

Don't be afraid to share your testimony! This shows people you are different, and it shines the brightness on the Light of the World.

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


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