Focus
Pay attention to the tension in your body. Let go of it and any expectations to do anything other than God’s will today. Prepare yourself to hear God’s word.
Read
ACTS 9:10-19
10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. 11 The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” 13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. 14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” 17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus.
Reflect
Ananias is obedient, even in the face of his rational fears. He trusts the Lord over his rationalizations, and as a result gets to be a part of one of God’s greatest movements in history.
Not only does he see God miraculously work at his point of obedience, the apostle Paul as Saul would become known, goes on to write most of the books of the New Testament and to take the gospel to much of the 1st century Roman world.
As Christians, the victories in our lives are often on the other side of fear as we walk in faith. Sometimes those fears are rational and not just emotional, like Ananias’ fears — there was a real threat in revealing himself as a Christian to Saul. If Ananias had chosen not to act, the Lord would still have healed Saul and sent him out in ministry, but Ananias wouldn’t have gotten to be a part of it. In the same way, our fears can keep us from experiencing all the good things the Lord has for us.
Pray
Lord, let me be obedient to You, even over my fears. Grow my faith in You and my witness. Amen.
Go with God!
Leave a Reply
Your email is safe with us.