3^rd March

““But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! And he is authorised by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon Your name!””

Acts 9:13-14

Paul, formerly known as Saul, was notorious for his zealous hatred of ‘the way’ and for ‘Christians’ before his conversion. In fact Saul, was there at Stephen’s murder giving his approval. It was by Saul’s hand that many Christians were persecuted and more would have been if Jesus had not revealed Himself to Saul on the road to Damascus. Putting it lightly, Saul had a bad reputation..! He was a scary figure and a man most feared. Yet straight after his conversion, Jesus had other plans for him.

Recuperating from his life changing encounter with Jesus at Judas’ house, Saul had a vision from God about a man named Ananias who was commissioned to lay hands on him and heal his temporary blindness. Little did Saul know of the conversation between Ananias and God prior to his vision.

Ananias must have thought he was being asked to go into a lion’s den. To go to Saul, a man with a ferocious reputation, who most probably had, or at least gave his blessing to, many of Ananias’ brothers, sisters and friends murders, was probably in Ananias’ eyes, madness. Yet Ananias in obedience, put his own feelings to one side, laid down his worries and completely trusted in God and did what was asked of him.

Sometimes, the things God asks of us may seem like great mountains to climb and great burdens to bear, but we can rest assure that God will never ask something of us, that He will not help us do. Being obedient to God is part of our Spiritual walk with Jesus, and helps us grow in our relationship with Him. Just think, if Ananias didn’t obey God, would Saul have ever made such a big impact for Christ on this earth…?