A mature believer would tell you, “Don’t be afraid to obey God.” Perhaps you struggle to obey God’s commands. As we grow in our relationship with the Lord, we develop trust and know we can follow God’s directions even if they seem unusual.
As Saul was on his way to persecute believers in Damascus, Ananias, a believer, had no idea God would ask him to pray for this persecutor. God interrupted Saul’s trip with a light from heaven and a voice that knocked him to the ground. The voice asked, “Why are you persecuting me?” Saul was confused until he realized the risen Jesus was speaking to him. As Saul got off the ground, he realized he was blind, so his companions led him by the hand to Damascus.
Trusting God is Not Easy
As the blind Saul was traveling to Damascus, God gave Ananias a vision about him. Acts 9:11 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.” 13 “But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem![1]
As we review Ananias’s comments to the Lord, we receive a realistic picture of obeying God when our first inclination is not to. In God’s patience and mercy, He gave Ananias additional information about his plans for Saul. Acts 9:15 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.” [2] As we seek the Lord with a humble heart, He will often give us confirmation so we can move forward in faith.
Putting Our Faith into Action
Once Ananias received confirmation from God that he was hearing correctly, he proceeded immediately. The Lord is patient, but there is also a time to move forward with His request because others depend on our obedience. Ananias then found Saul and prayed for him to receive his sight. Scales fell from his eyes instantly, and he got up and was baptized.
Through obedience, Ananias could minister to Saul, who was now a believer in Jesus and would go on to be a great missionary in the early church. In the New Testament, we know Saul as Paul. It is also possible that Paul gave up using his Hebrew name, Saul, to use his Roman name, Paul, meaning “little” or “small,” because he desired to become smaller to present Christ as more significant.[3] Is the Lord calling you today to trust Him when His request seems unusual?
Don’t be afraid to obey God. To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/god-arrests-saul
[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.