JESUS SPEAKING

‘Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 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. And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.” 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.” But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, King’s, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, he sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and he was baptized.’ (Acts 9: 10 – 18)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

God called Ananias to seek out an individual named Saul; a man who had been struck with blindness after an encounter with Jesus Christ. Ananias was initially reluctant to go. In fact, he reminded the Lord of Saul’s reputation as a persecutor of Christians. Despite his concerns, Ananias displayed remarkable faith. He abandoned his fears and embraced his calling. As a result, Saul’s vision was restored and he was baptized. Saul changed his name to Paul and dedicated the rest of his life to spreading the gospel message.

Like Ananias, Noah was also a man of great faith. When he was commanded by God to construct a giant boat on dry land (a massive undertaking with seemingly no present purpose) he didn’t argue with the Lord. Instead Noah faithfully believed God’s warning of an impending flood, and so he simply obeyed. Noah and his family were thus saved from destruction because they trusted God’s plan. Faith like that moves mountains.

As Christians we must trust God’s plan and obey His commandments at all times; even when things seem confusing, uncertain, or even counterintuitive. We cannot see the future in its fullness as God can. And so we must“walk by faith, not by sight,” The Lord will guide us if we are willing to surrender our lives into His hands. With God, all things are possible.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we come before you with humble hearts and a desire to accomplish Your will. Give us the faith we need to obey You in all things. Guide us also, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, that we would make the best decisions we can in the furtherance of Your desires. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will. In Jesus Christ name. Amen.” God bless all of you!