MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Opening Prayer
Open my heart, Lord Jesus, to walk in loving obedience to You today.
Read Acts 9:10–19a
10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!”
“Yes, Lord,” he answered.
11 The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”
13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. 14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”
15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength.
Saul in Damascus and Jerusalem
Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus.
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
How significant do you think you are in God’s plans? Is there anything that causes you to doubt God can use you?Most people have heard of Saul (or Paul, as he is better known), but what about Ananias (10)? We know little about his background and nothing about what happened to him after these events. He wasn’t one of the apostles and does not appear to have been a major church leader. However, his act of obedience was vital in God’s plans, for if he had not visited and prayed with Saul, then Saul would not have received God’s healing and empowering to be the great missionary he was to become.
It’s easy to think we are only important in God’s plans if we are church leaders or full-time Christian workers. Yet Ananias shows us what a huge impact the obedience of one ordinary person can have. He did God’s will not just by laying hands on Saul, but by showing his previous enemy love by calling him ‘brother’ (17). How this must have moved the former persecutor of Christians and demonstrated God’s grace. What a difference Ananias’ obedience made to both Saul – and the course of Christian history!
Apply
Is there anything you feel God has been calling you to do: a person to help; a career path to take; an activity in which to get involved? Be encouraged by the story of Ananias: God can really work through you.
Closing prayer
God, I want to be used by You, but my own doubt gets in my way. Walk with me as I strive to follow You.
Book and Author Intros
Extras
Click here to sign up to receive the EXTRAs via email each quarter.
© 2024 Scripture Union U.S.A. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited.
Discovery is published in the USA under license from Scripture Union England and Wales, Trinity House, Opal Court, Opal Drive, Fox Milne, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DF.