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Have you ever sought out the Lord for guidance and then wondered if it was correct? At some point we have to just step out in faith and trust the Lord. Psalm 119:105 says, Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. [1] There are times when we would like to have a search light to know what is ahead, but the Lord tells us a lamp is sufficient.
In our story, Ananias is questioning the Lord’s guidance in regard to Saul. Although God has given him a vision, he still doubts.
Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord!” he replied. 11 The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. 12 I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again.” Acts 9:10-12
“But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! 14 And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.” 15 But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. 16 And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.” 17 So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight.[2] Acts 9:13-18.
Like Ananias the key to the Lord’s guidance is to place your faith in the Lord and trust what He has given you. Sometimes the Lord’s guidance may seem difficult and may stretch us in the process.
Hearing God’s guidance begins with our minds and hearts. The Bible reminds us to “be still” in Psalm 46:10. The Scriptures are full of prayers you can use to ask God to focus on Him, such as: 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. [3] Genuinely seek the Lord and “ask our generous God” (James 1:5) to put your thoughts in line with His desires for you.
To hear the story of the Divine Intruder and Saul, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/series/journey-with-the-divine-intruder/the-divine-intruder-and-saul
[1, 2, 3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ps 119:105, Acts 9:10-18, Psalm 139:23). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.