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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." Acts 9:17 NLT
What’s your first reaction when you hear about a notorious sinner who claims to have been converted? Ananias wasn’t sure he had heard the Lord right. Go and visit Saul the persecutor? The Lord knew about this man, right? Hadn’t Saul viciously attacked the Christians in Jerusalem and come to destroy the believers in Damascus?
Ananias’s questions were normal. But the Lord told Ananias to do what He had said. Why? Because He already had dealt with Saul and chose him to proclaim God’s message throughout the world—and to endure much suffering as a result.
Ananias proved he believed the Lord by going to Straight Street. When he found Saul, Ananias placed his hands on him and called Saul his “brother.” As a result of his obedience, Ananias witnessed the power of God filling Saul with His Holy Spirit and freeing him from his blindness.
Immediately afterward, other Christians feared that Saul was an impostor. They hadn’t received a vision from Jesus confirming Saul’s conversion. But soon they heard his bold testimony that Jesus “is indeed the Son of God!” (Acts 9:20).
Prayer: Lord, fill me with Your Holy Spirit too.
What’s your first reaction when you hear about a notorious sinner who claims to have been converted? Ananias wasn’t sure he had heard the Lord right. Go and visit Saul the persecutor? The Lord knew about this man, right? Hadn’t Saul viciously attacked the Christians in Jerusalem and come to destroy the believers in Damascus?
Ananias’s questions were normal. But the Lord told Ananias to do what He had said. Why? Because He already had dealt with Saul and chose him to proclaim God’s message throughout the world—and to endure much suffering as a result.
Ananias proved he believed the Lord by going to Straight Street. When he found Saul, Ananias placed his hands on him and called Saul his “brother.” As a result of his obedience, Ananias witnessed the power of God filling Saul with His Holy Spirit and freeing him from his blindness.
Immediately afterward, other Christians feared that Saul was an impostor. They hadn’t received a vision from Jesus confirming Saul’s conversion. But soon they heard his bold testimony that Jesus “is indeed the Son of God!” (Acts 9:20).
Prayer: Lord, fill me with Your Holy Spirit too.
