Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
After Saul’s dramatic conversion experience on the Road to Damascus, God caused him to be blind. I’m sure Saul believed that he deserved to be made blind due to the horrible things he had done. He probably believed he deserved to be struck dead! But, God had a plan for Saul and it wasn’t for him to remain blind for the rest of his life as punishment.
As we stated a few days ago, sometimes God has to take drastic measures to get our attention. This was the case with Saul and after being totally overcome by the Light of the Lord, struck to the ground, and then spoken to by Jesus, Himself, God had Saul’s attention.
Saul’s traveling companions led him by the hand into the City of Damascus and to the house of a man named Judas. Saul had no idea what would become of him but I suppose he considered himself to be fortunate to even be alive.
At the same time, God spoke to a man in Damascus named Ananias. As we discussed yesterday, this man was not only a believer but the Word of God called him a Disciple meaning he was an obedient follower of Christ. Ananias heard the Lord speak to him in a vision. Immediately, Ananias answered and said, Behold, I am here, Lord. (Acts 9:10)
With that, the Lord told Ananias what He wanted him to do. And the Lord said unto him, arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus, for behold, he prays. (Acts 9:11) As a side note, Straight Street still exists 2,000 years later.
The Lord went on speaking to Ananias and said, And has seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him that he might receive his sight. (Acts 9:12)
Ananias heard the Lord and understood his instructions. He knew where Straight Street was and he knew of this man named Judas BUT although he was a Disciple, he also knew about this man, Saul of Tarsus, so he answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem and here he has authority from the Chief Priests to bind all who call on Your Name. (Acts 9:13-14)
Yes, Ananias was questioning God. Word had gotten to Damascus about Saul coming there and the followers of Jesus were anticipating trouble. What they didn’t know was that God had already met with Saul and he was now an entirely different man.
God had orchestrated the whole thing, as He always does. How many times have we heard from the Lord and questioned Him because of what others have told us? Sadly, the answer to this question is, many times. Probably too many times to count.
God seeks obedience from His children. Listen for His Voice and then, obey. That is what we are called to do. It may not seem logical or profitable but we must trust Him and believe that He is at work doing things we know nothing about. As Samuel said, Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams. (1 Samuel 15:22)
God is working behind the scenes to……….turn the tide……….in this dark world.
I’m trusting Him, Doreen
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