January 19th, Day 7 EncouragementActs 9:1-19

I was wondering as I prepared to write this encouragement for our corporate fast, how many in our church has had a Damascus Road experience. One where we are living life our way, seemingly unaware of the Lord’s plans and then “Boom” something happens in our cozy life to get our attention off of ourselves and into God’s plan for our life. This story in Acts chapter 9, prepares Ananias to come and further the awesome plan God has for Saul’s life (A.K.A.) Paul.

We read the story how Saul, while travelling to the city of Damascus to round up the Christians in that region is struck down to the ground by a tremendous flash of light, which in turn causes an immediate state of blindness. At that time Jesus spoke directly to him with a personal question, “Why do you persecute me?” His fellow travellers, shocked by the audible voice led him by the hand to the house of Judas in Damascus.

Ananias, a very Godly man hears the word of the Lord and goes to minister to Saul. Ananias prayed for his blindness and Saul’s eyes were healed and the scales fell off them. Saul ate some food, got up and was baptized. Through this encounter with Ananias, Saul is commissioned to go take the name of Jesus to the Gentiles.

What I like about this story is this:

1) God loves all mankind, regardless of their faith in him

2) God will eagerly find you and bring you unto himself

3) God is the Jehovah Rapha “The Lord who heals”

4 God is the healer of blindness, even spiritual blindness

5) God always has followers who will go for him

6) When you say yes to the Lord’s plan for your life, it may become difficult at times but He will be with you always, He will never forsake you

7) He will always give you the words to say if you listen to him

Today I want you to ponder these Questions.

Have I been blind to what God wants to show me by the work of the Holy Spirit in my life? Am I ready to respond?

Have I been listening close enough to God’s word?

Would I, like Ananias, go into the places Holy Spirit is leading me, even if they may be dark and not of my choosing? If we stay in the safe places, how will those in the dark places know God?

Blessings

Pastor Al