EP 34: Confronted, Not Convinced

In this message, we talk about the difference between being convinced (talking yourself into something that feels “right” in the moment) and being confronted (God shining a light on what is actually happening, so you can reset and heal).

Using Saul’s story, we see how someone can be deeply motivated, disciplined, and even sincerely convinced they are “doing the right thing” while walking completely in the wrong direction. Then Jesus steps in, confronts him, and everything changes.

Core story: Saul (later Paul) in Acts

• Highly educated, trained under a top rabbi, zealous for God

• Convinced Christianity is dangerous, becomes relentless in destroying the church

• Present at Stephen’s stoning and approves the persecution

• Confronted by Jesus on the road to Damascus, blinded for three days

• Not punishment, but a forced pause, a humbling silence, and a reset

• Ananias is sent to him, Saul receives sight, is filled with the Holy Spirit, and is baptized

Key Scriptures:

• Acts 22:3 — Saul’s background and training

• Acts 8:3 — Saul destroys the church, house to house

• Acts 7:54–58 — Stephen’s stoning, Saul’s approval

• Acts 9:1–19 — confrontation on the road, blindness, Ananias, baptism

• 1 Corinthians 15:9–10 — “least of the apostles” but grace defines him

• 1 Timothy 1:15–16 — “worst of sinners” yet shown mercy as an example

Big takeaways:

• Sometimes God does not slow you down, He knocks you down, not to destroy you, but to keep you from destroying yourself.

• Being confronted can feel uncomfortable, but it is often love in action, not condemnation.

• Your past does not cancel your purpose. Saul was still called a chosen instrument.

• God redirects what feels “wasted” in you and uses it for good. Nothing is wasted.

• You are not trash, not too far gone, not disqualified. You are loved, chosen, and called.

Bottom line:

Do not stay convinced in the wrong direction. Let God confront you, reset you, and remind you who you are.

This message was recorded at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Coronado, CA, a space so kindly gifted to us by Rev. Michael Murphy that we have been in for over a month now.

Visit SacredHeartCor.org to learn more about this beautiful community.

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