Acts 9-10, Psalm 123
Acts 9:17-18 (NLT)
“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.’ Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized.”
In Acts 9:17–18, Ananias obeyed the Lord and went to find Saul of Tarsus, even though Ananias had heard that Saul was persecuting believers in Jesus. Ananias even addressed Saul as “Brother Saul” and told him that the Lord had sent him so Saul could regain his sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Ananias laid his hands on Saul, and Saul regained his sight and was baptized.
What struck me about these verses is how Ananias overcame his fear and hesitation and went to see Saul. Ananias even went out of his way to address Saul as “Brother Saul,” which one Bible commentary said signified acceptance into the Christian community. Ananias trusted Father-God's word even though he knew Saul had persecuted Christians. Another Bible commentary noted that it took great courage for Ananias to overcome his fear and suspicion and go find Saul.
I don't know if I have enough faith and trust in the Lord to go into a risky situation the way Ananias did with Saul. Ananias was told to lay hands on someone he had known as an enemy of Jesus and His followers. I don't know if I have Ananias's graciousness to address an enemy of the Lord as “Brother Saul.” But I pray that the Holy Spirit will increase my faith and trust in Father-God so that if I am ever asked to do something that would naturally make me fearful, I will have the obedience and faith of Ananias. Ananias demonstrates for believers what it means to trust and obey the Lord even in the face of fear.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel drawn to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who calls us to trust and follow Him even when we are afraid—this may be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in prayer. Tell Him you trust Him and desire to walk with Him. He is faithful, and He will meet you exactly where you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus' name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord's love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
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