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In Acts 9, we see the conversion of Saul, who is led into Damascus and blinded. But the story continues in verses 10-19, we read about a man named Ananias.
Ananias is a believer, and God speaks to him, telling him to go 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. I have shown him in a vision that a man named Ananias is coming in and laying hands on him so that he can see again. (v. 11-12)
Remember, everyone knew about Saul if you were a follower of Christ. In verse 13, Ananias said to the Lord, “But Lord, exclaimed Ananias. “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to believers in Jerusalem. And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon Your name.”
The believers knew Saul’s reputation, and Ananias knew what Saul was like. God, you want me to go to Saul?????? How many Christians want a ministry, but they are not willing to count the cost? We want to follow Jesus as long as it makes us comfortable, but are we willing to follow Jesus even when it could cost us our very lives?
How did the Lord respond to Ananias? In verse 15: “But the Lord said, Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and kings, as well as to the people of Israel. And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.”
Saul, a man who killed and had followers of Jesus thrown in jail for serving Jesus. He is saved, and now God has chosen Him! What great news that God chooses sinful people, messed up, and wicked. God has chosen you and me to carry out His will!
Encourage yourself today that God has chosen you!
John 15:16 – “You did not choose Me. I chose YOU! I appointed YOU, to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for using My name!”
What an encouragement that God chose me! How amazing is the grace of God in our lives!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Pastor Ronald Squibb has been the International Christian Center (ICC) Lead Senior Pastor at Staten Island, New York, since 2011. He draws on many experiences from his over 40 years as a pastor and from significant emotional experiences.
His new book, Following the Journey with Jesus, which he co-authored with Daniel McNaughton, was recently published and is receiving rave reviews. The daily devotion appears in this publication.
