Good morning! Today’s devotion from Acts chapter 22, continues with the Apostle Paul sharing his conversion story with the crowd in Jerusalem. It is interesting to revisit this account that was shared earlier in Acts, because we can see where Saul ended and Paul began. Where the Lord took Paul from to this great Apostle we read about today. Join me as we read the account.

Bible verse

“¹⁰ “I asked, ‘What should I do, Lord?’ “And the Lord told me, ‘Get up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told everything you are to do.’

¹¹ “I was blinded by the intense light and had to be led by the hand to Damascus by my companions. ¹² A man named Ananias lived there. He was a godly man, deeply devoted to the law, and well regarded by all the Jews of Damascus. ¹³ He came and stood beside me and said, ‘Brother Saul, regain your sight.’ And that very moment I could see him!

¹⁴ “Then he told me, ‘The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and hear him speak. ¹⁵ For you are to be his witness, telling everyone what you have seen and heard. ¹⁶ What are you waiting for? Get up and be baptized. Have your sins washed away by calling on the name of the Lord.’” – Acts 23:10-16 NLT

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.

• 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.

Sisters and brothers, I love the question Ananias asked Saul/Paul in verse 16a – “What are you waiting for?“ The Lord used multiple people to bring Saul (Paul) to a place where he was no longer on his on agenda, but he began to follow the agenda of the Lord. While we read this account back in August, it is still fitting for us to remember, the Lord is the one who calls. The Lord, qualifies and transforms those He uses. If the Lord calls, who are we to say no to the King of kings and the Lord of lords?

The Lord is calling you for His greater purpose. Are you ready to surrender your will to His? If your answer is yes or no, the question remains the same, What are you waiting for?

Prayer

Father God we thank you for your willingness to patiently wait for us to surrender ourselves to you and your will. Lord, forgive us for the time we wasted wondering around aimlessly or without intent. Lord, today we say yes to you and ask for you to lead us. Lord, take charge of our emotions and doubts. Lord, speak louder to us than our naysayers who try to discourage or hold us back. Lord, you are the only one we desire to please by doing your will. Yet, we are grateful to partake in your plans and purposes, that allow us to see the blessings and transformation that occurs because of our obedience to you. Lord, you are Alpha and Omega, we praise you because You are the great I Am. Lord, continue to work in us. Clear our eye sight so that we can see as you see, purify our hearts so that we will love and have compassion on others, and direct our steps so that we will be an effective part of kingdom building. Lord, touch our sisters and brothers today. Comfort those who are grieving. Heal those who are sick. Give more quality time to those who are battling terminal illnesses. Lord, heal the addicts and their family members. Help us all to remember the hope we have in you – this season, because You came for us. Help us to be bold enough to share this hope with others. In Jesus name, amen.

Events

Join us as we study lessons from the Bible through a video series authored by Priscilla Shirer. RSVP to: contactus@maryewhiteministries.com and a member of our team will email you the Zoom link to join the study.

“Interruptions. They’re aggravating. Sometimes infuriating. But how we handle interruptions actually tell us more about ourselves. What do we do when God interrupts our lives? Many times, like Jonah, we run! Priscilla redefines interruption and shows that interruption is actually God’s invitation to do something beyond our wildest dreams. When Jonah was willing to allow God to interrupt his life, the result was revival in an entire city.” – Priscilla Shirer

• Location: Via Zoom (RSVP: contactus@maryewhiteministries.com for the Zoom link)
• Begins: Wednesday, November 18, 2020
• Time: 6:00 P.M. – 7:30 P.M.
• We purchased the Jonah Video Bundle for Group Use. You will need to purchase your personal Bible study book.
• Bible Study Book:  Jonah Navigating Life Interrupted. The author of the book is Priscilla Shirer.

Note: If you purchase your book online through LifeWay, you can subscribe to their website and get a 20% discount on your purchase. Here’s the link to the Bible study book via LifeWay:  https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/jonah-bible-study-book-P005264295

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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