A New Man and a New Name
God never loses your address—even in the quiet seasons, He is preparing you to be seen as His.
Devotional Credit: Immeasurably More by Ray Stedman
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Today’s reflection by Ray Stedman takes us to a quiet, transitional moment in the life of Saul—soon to be known as Paul. After an initial flurry of post-conversion activity, he vanishes from the main storyline of Acts for nearly a decade. These hidden years were not wasted. Rather than pursuing platforms or recognition, Saul was being emptied of all he once prided himself on: religious pedigree, zealous drive, and spiritual credentials. In their place, he was learning something far more essential—how to rely entirely on Christ's life within him.
When the time was right, God sent Barnabas to retrieve him—not because Saul had finally made himself worthy, but because he had finally been made ready. This was the man God could now use—a man emptied of self-reliance and available for Spirit-led ministry.
It’s here, in Antioch, that the disciples are first called Christians—not as a badge of honor they gave themselves, but as a label given by others who saw something unmistakable: these people belonged to Christ. What was once said in mockery became a term of joyful identification. They were Christ’s men and women—and they embraced the name gladly.
✍🏼 Personalized Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I took Saul aside not to shelve him, but to shape him. I placed him in obscurity so that he might learn what true fruitfulness means—not by zeal or intellect, but by abiding in Me. For ten years I was not idle in him. I was pruning, stripping, renewing.
He had to see that everything he once leaned on—even the parts that looked spiritual—were still of the self-life. His ancestry, his drive, his education, his moral performance—they could never carry the weight of ministry. I taught him that only My life in him could.
You, too, are not defined by the credentials you once thought mattered. I call you Mine not because of what you can do for Me, but because I have placed My life in you. Just as Antioch saw Christ in them and gave them the name Christian, so too do I mark you with My Spirit and call you My own.
You do not need to chase visibility or influence. I know where you are. I know how to send for you when the time is right. Until then, abide. Let Me do the shaping. When others look at your life, may they say, not by your striving but by your surrender, “That one belongs to Christ.”
Scriptures referenced: Acts 11:25–26; Galatians 1:21–24; Philippians 3:7–8; John 15:5; 2 Corinthians 3:5; Romans 8:9
🧺 Real-Life Analogy
It’s like steeping a teabag in hot water. At first, it seems like nothing is happening—but give it time, and what was hidden inside begins to flavor the entire cup. Saul’s ten years in Tarsus were not wasted—they were steeping years. And when the time came, he was ready to be poured out with power.
🙏🏼 Prayer of Confidence
Father, I rejoice that I am Yours—not because of what I’ve achieved, but because You have placed Christ within me. Thank You that the years that feel slow or hidden are never wasted in Your hands. You are always preparing me, shaping me, and expressing Christ through me. I trust You with the timing, the calling, and the name I bear. May the life of Jesus be unmistakable in me, and may others see You when they see me.