Happy Wednesday! Yesterday, we read about Ananias’ concerns after he heard the Lord’s instructions. It reminded me of times when I was given instructions by my mom. She would say, “Mary, go clean your room.” My response, “but mommy…” She would say, “but nothing, go clean your room.” My response, “ok.” Join me today as we read the Lord’s response to Ananias’ hesitation to follow what the Lord asked Him to do.

Bible verse:

“¹⁵ But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. ¹⁶ And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.”

¹⁷ So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” ¹⁸ Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. ¹⁹ Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength.” – Acts 9:15-19 NLT

Some key points:

• The Lord had a plan for Saul.
• Saul would share the Good News (message) of Jesus to the Gentiles (non Jews), kings and people of Israel.
• Ananias followed through on what God called him to do – lay hands on Saul to restore his sight.

Reflection:

The Lord used Ananias in a mighty way – he restored sight to the blind (Saul was physically and spiritually blind), set the captive free (scales fell from Saul’s eyes) and Saul was filled with the Holy Spirit and baptized. But note, the Lord also mentioned to Saul how much he would suffer for his name’s sake.

Sisters and brothers, there is no doubt in my mind that the Lord would have fulfilled His plan for Saul (with or without Ananias), but Ananias was given an opportunity to be apart of the Lord’s plan. Ananias’ obedience led to the conversion of one of the greatest Apostles in the New Testament Bible.

Questions to ponder:

Sisters and brothers,

• Will you go when the Lord says go?
• Will you trust His plan?
• Will you allow the Lord to use you to restore sight to the spiritual blind, the lost, least and last?

Prayer:

Father God, whatever it is that you are calling us to do, we are ready to fulfill your purpose. Lord, you are greater than anything in the universe. Your word is more powerful than a double edge sword. Your vision and sight sees further into the future and it is perfect in every way. Lord forgive us of our sins, forgive us of the times when we decide not to “go”. Lord our eyes are open now, speak to us and use us to fulfill your purpose in the land of the living. Guide our thoughts and strengthen us to be all that you called us to be. Lord, heal those who are sick, comfort those who are grieving, remove anxiety from those who are overwhelmed or struggling, touch the finances of those who are without jobs and those who will be impacted by the changes in unemployment benefits. Lord, you know the needs of your people. Lord, you see the distress and hear their cries. Lord, touch them. Heal your people and heal your land. In Jesus name, amen.

Event: 

Theme: Hope Anchored by Faith – “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Hebrews 6:19

When: Saturday, July 25, 2020
Time: 9:00 AM Pacific Standard Time
In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 the retreat will be held online as a virtual retreat. It’s free. Register in advance:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_h8mL9soyReqwrVZGjMx1gg

Do you have a prayer request? We would love to pray for you. Send your prayer request to: prayerrequest@maryewhiteministries.com

Bible Reference: http://biblegateway.com

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