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.”

Acts 9:11-12

For Meditation

The Lord had his attention and spoke to him in a vision. What might have been his posture at that time with the Lord?

Ananias knew the voice of God, and he responded to his call. He expressed his concerns and his fears to the Lord. Nothing wrong with that. God wants to hear our concerns. He is our merciful and compassionate God who cares for His children and delights to listen to their fears. 

Ananias had reservations about Saul. The zealous Pharisee had wrought havoc on the church in Jerusalem, and Damascus was his next target. He was on a mission there to arrest all who called on the name of the Lord (Acts 9:13-14).   

Nevertheless, God commanded Ananias to go, for Saul was His chosen instrument to carry the gospel to the Gentiles. For consolation, God assured Ananias how Saul must suffer for His name (15-16).

Ananias went without any further objection. God had spoken, and that settled the issue for him. His will and purpose must prevail. Ananias surrendered and went to minister the grace of God to the chief persecutor of the infant church (17-18). We all can learn a lot from Ananias.

May the Lord speak to you in a personal way through the example of Ananias as a ready and willing disciple despite his fears and concerns.

Shalom