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In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. 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. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”

“Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”

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. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”

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.” Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus.

 

I always love when we see another example of God using ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Ananias was just a normal guy like you and me. He was not a prophet or some prominent figure in the church. Ananias was simply a dedicated follower of Christ that otherwise was completely unknown to the world around him.

Christ called Ananias to go to Saul, who had previously been a prosecutor of the church, to heal his sight. There is no question Ananias had his doubts, but he put his faith in Christ and went where he was called. We may not always understand why God is calling us in a certain direction, but who are we to question His plan?

We are not required to be some amazing figure of the faith to be used by God. Even though Ananias may have felt like a nobody in the moment, he would become the person that would help usher Paul from enemy of the church to one of the most impactful apostles. Christ has given each and every one of us a purpose in his Kingdom, but it is up to us to keep our ears and hearts open to hear Him when he calls. His mission may not make sense to you now, but I challenge you to be open and simply respond with “Yes, Lord!”

"Lord Jesus, I want to be like Ananias, an ordinary person available for your extraordinary purposes. Speak to me, calm my fears, and empower me to serve you faithfully, even when it's hard. Use my life to bring your grace and light to others, just as you used Ananias to bring salvation to Saul. Amen."

Karen DeMauro

Karen.demauro@gmail.com

 

Prayer Concern: For those who doubt their own skills or abilities, that they may know their worth.