Hard Lessons

Acts‬ ‭9‬:‭10‬-‭17

“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.”” Acts‬ ‭9‬:‭10‬-‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Have you ever felt like someone was out to get you? Whether in your mind or in reality, it is a hard feeling to move past. Having the inclination that someone doesn’t like you or is outright opposed to you makes it difficult to love them or even say a kind word about them. It was no secret; Paul was out to get followers of Jesus. His reputation proceeded him, which made this calling of God not only difficult but scary.

When we think about “those people” that seem like they are against us, it is hard to muster up anything but a critical word. Praise God that we do not have to love people in our own power or ability or even because they deserve it! If you are a follower of Jesus, you have been changed by God and loved when you did not deserve it. This is a precious gift we get to share with others.

Ananias in Acts 9 was a disciple of the Lord Jesus in Damascus who braved the confrontation with Paul, placed his hands upon him, and spoke truth. As he did, scales fell from Paul’s eyes; he regained his sight and was filled with the Holy Spirit. Ananias feared man but trusted God to use him. He obeyed, and eight verses later, he vanished from the narrative about Paul.

God calls His servants to obey the tasks He has given them. They obey, and the only One who matters sees. Perhaps no one else sees, notices, or cares. But the impact of obedience could be the catalyst for something huge in God’s economy. The smallest or largest act of obedience done for the Lord has eternal consequences. And one day, He will reward the obedient. It is this reward that is to be cast at the Savior’s feet in thanksgiving for using our small acts of obedience to glorify Him.

Jesus taught this in the Sermon on the Mount when He said, “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may prove yourselves to be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Even the tax collectors, do they not do the same?” (Matthew 5:44-46). Despite his hesitations, Ananias trusted what God said over Paul’s past or even his own feelings.

Was Paul looking to find Christ and be saved?  Of course not. It was Christ who found him. We have no reason to believe Paul was anything short of 100% convinced of the truth of his convictions, hence his relentless zeal to carry them out. Salvation is a work of God from start to finish. Like Paul’s blindness, there may have been circumstances in our lives that opened us up to hearing and receiving the gospel, but even those events and our warming heart to truth were the result of God’s working.

So, rejoice believers that you have been called by God to be on His team, the ultimate winning outfit. And tighten the laces of your shoes for the unique race that God has called you to run. Run on! Keep moving!!!

Father, thank You for this day and all the times You call us to obedience. May we be faithful to hear, obey, and then get out of the way. We thank You for using us to glorify Your name and to be a part of Your greater kingdom work. Be a blessing. Love ya

Father, we love You. Amen