Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Pick any book, movie, or television show that you love, hate, or have lost interest in. Your overall feelings about your selection probably point to a significant detail – the character arc.

We love a great or bad-in-a-good-way character arc because it shows the growth or decline of an essential piece of the story. We don’t get the universal terror without Anakin Skywalker’s emotional takeover, or see the humanity in Scrooge without lessons from his ghostly teachers.

Life produces the best character arcs. Consider C.S. Lewis and the apostle Paul. Both gentlemen are prolific for their faith, but they were on the verge of cementing their names without such honor.

C.S. Lewis is known as a Christian apologist and is the author of The Chronicles of Narnia. Before he found Christ, Lewis wrote stories full of darkness and despair. His tone didn’t lose its approach, but faith moved Lewis to add redemption and meaning to his writing – an opportunity to rest the restless.

Paul, formerly Saul and author of much of the New Testament, hated and destroyed Jesus' followers. His behavior gave bad guys a bad name. To make matters worse, or more confusing, Saul believed his work served God. In Acts 9:1-22, Jesus stepped in during Saul’s journey to Damascus, where Saul intended to persecute more Christians.

For Saul, the moment was unpleasant, but the truth was undeniable. Jesus instructed Saul to do one thing, and Saul listened. He couldn’t have known what would come next, but Saul still said yes to what Jesus asked him to do.

Philippians 3:10
I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead.…

Saul sought to destroy Christians before Jesus’ death and resurrection, so he indeed understood who ordered his steps. It would’ve been frightening and astonishing to experience the moment - everything from his mission to his eventual name change when Paul said yes. He who brought death now shared the truth of everlasting life.

A YES can take you from a path of self to a path of purpose. You can find joy in a Spirit-led adventure, where you build a relationship with God and share his love with everyone you come across.

Redefine your life this year. Nervous? Be brave enough to say a slow yes instead of a quick no.

Questions:
What do you need to surrender in your life? Do you regret not saying yes before?

Next Steps:
Practice listening to God’s instructions for you by praying and surrendering the things that are keeping you from him.

This post was written by Jaron Camp, a Findlay attendee and regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.

21 Days of Prayer and Fasting - Day 2

Today’s Prayer Focus: For My Love for God and Others to Grow 

Prayer:
Dear God, you said that the greatest commandment to follow is to love you with all my heart, soul, and mind. As I connect with you over these 21 Days of Prayer, grow my trust in you so that I will love you more. Then, as my love grows for you, help me to love those around me more and more each day. Amen.

Read more about Paul: A Yes That Redefines Your Life
Scripture: Acts 9:1–22; Philippians 3:7–14; 2 Timothy 4:6–8

Series Theme Verse:

Psalm 40:8
I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart.