So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying . . . Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. “And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.” (Acts 9:11, 13-14, NKJV)
The Bible does not tell us much about the man named Ananias that we meet in Acts chapter 9. We do know he was a resident of Damascus and a believer. God chose him to visit Saul of Tarsus (later called Paul} after his remarkable encounter with the Lord on the road to Damascus. In relating his testimony later, Paul called Ananias “a devout man according to the law, having a good testimony with all the Jews who dwelt there” (Acts 22:12, NKJV}.
RISKY INSTRUCTIONS
When God spoke to Ananias and instructed him to seek out Saul, he did not argue. He did, however, remind God about a few things that seemed risky to him. In fact, this assignment could be life threatening. Saul of Tarsus had vehemently persecuted the church in Jerusalem and thrown many believers in prison. He planned to do the same here in Damascus. Surely the Lord wouldn’t ask Ananias to visit this man!
But that’s exactly what God did!
But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.” (Acts 9:15, NKJV)
FINDING A NEW BROTHER
Ananias set out in faith, but I wonder if he was still a little shaky in the knees as he made his way to Straight Street. What he found, however, was not a zealous persecutor of believers but a repentant soul who had been led as a blind man into the city. Then God allowed him to sit three days before sending His messenger. Laying his hands upon Saul’s head, Ananias began to pray. He was no longer a persecutor but a brother in the Lord.
Has God ever asked you to do something that seemed difficult? Or perhaps even risky? Maybe you felt insecure and that you lacked the necessary skills. Surely someone else would be much more qualified. You may have even suggested some names to the Lord. But God called you, not them.
Hebrews 13:21 says that He will “make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight.” Lean on this promise and recognize that God equips us when He sends us.
GO WITH FAITH
The next time God presents you with a difficult assignment, step out in faith. Remember, He will always go with you.
Adapt the words of Joshua 1:9 to be your prayer today. “Because You have commanded me to go, I will be strong and of good courage. I will not be afraid or dismayed, for the Lord my God is with me wherever I go.”
Devotion by Mary Loudermilk
Comments are closed.