In Acts chapter 9 we read about the salvation of the apostle
Paul (Saul). He was a fierce opponent of the early followers of Jesus and had
gone to extremes to have them arrested and even put to death. While traveling
135 miles to Damascus, Saul was stopped in his tracks by a light from heaven with
Jesus speaking to him asking him why he (Saul) was persecuting Him (Jesus).
Saul was then instructed to go to Damascus to wait for further instruction.
Being blinded he was led into the city where he waited three days, praying
while not eating or drinking.
As Saul was waiting, God was also prepared Ananias who was being
sent to this notorious opponent. The details given to Ananias in a vision were
very specific, even to the point of him being told that Saul also had a vision
that Ananias, by name, would come to him. As specific as the instruction was,
Ananias still responded with a “but,” fearing that Saul may actually be given
access to them to further their persecution. Jesus responded to Ananias with, “Go,
for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings
and the sons of Israel…”
Ananias had a choice. He could disregard the instruction from God and live in fear of Saul, or he could listen and go, trusting Jesus to do as He said. Ananias went and became the one blessed to lay hands on this most famous apostle to the Gentile world.
God may not speak to us through visions as was done with Saul and
Ananias, but every day we have choices to make as we seek His leading in the
varied situations of our lives. The encouragement for all of us is to trust His
leading on our hearts and in the situations laid before us, and obediently go
forward to see what He does knowing God has it under control.
Sherman County eNews Spiritual Matters - 10/11/2019