August 16, 2019

“And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized” –Acts 9:18

The Bible is filled with stories of ordinary people who became do extraordinary things through their faithful service to God.  Because these special people were willing to say “yes” when God called, lives were changed for the better.

One of my favorite Bible characters is Ananias. He is a disciple who lived in Damascus, far from all the action that was happening in Jerusalem.  One day called to Ananias and asked him to go to a house in Damascus and pray for a man named Saul of Tarsus.

I have no doubt that Ananias was shocked when God called him into the game. Not only was he surprised to hear God’s call, but also the call was for him to go and see Saul.  Ananias had heard about Saul and how he was persecuting Christians around Jerusalem. Now the persecutor had come to his hometown. Ananias pleaded with God, worried for his own safety. God replied, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel.” (Acts 9:15)

Ananias quickly went to find Saul. After he found Saul he place his hand on Saul and prayed for him…What an amazing act of bravery. This simple act of obedience opened the eyes of Saul, also know as Paul. From this point forward he no longer persecuted the followers of Jesus. He joined them and helped to spread the message of Christ around the world

Ananias made a significant difference that day because he was obedient to God. His faith in God made him available and willing to be used by God. I am sure he never thought he would be called to face the man who persecuting the church, but when God called he answered the call.   What is God calling you to do? Who could you be praying for today? When we are willing to answer the call of God in our lives, we can be a blessing and, with God’s help, like Ananias we can help others find their way.

Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship