You wouldn’t know, just by looking at the picture how deep this spring is.
A friend recently introduced me to a daily Bible reading blog called, www.#shereadstruth.com If you are looking for a way to read the Bible daily and have a meaningful message to accompany it, I highly recommend it. Right now, they are doing a series on fresh starts and they have found passages throughout the Bible to show God giving His people a fresh start.
Today, their passage was Acts 9:1-19 and their discussion was on the conversion of Saul to Paul. This is a fabulous example of a fresh start. I mean, this guy went from hunting and killing Christians to preaching about Christ and writing the majority of the New Testament.
But, there’s an unsung hero in this story. His name is Ananias. The scripture says he was a disciple living in Damascus. I picture this guy, minding his own business and kind of lying low. He’s a believer, but it’s dangerous to be a believer and then he has a vision.
Jesus calls his name. Ananias answers him. Jesus then instructs him to go to the house where Saul of Tarsus is and heal him by restoring his sight. Ananias says, (and I paraphrase),”Umm, Lord are you sure about this? This guy has been killing and arresting your people left and right.” And I’ll bet he was thinking, “Take that, Saul! You reap what you sow. Bullies everywhere, take note!”
But, Jesus says, “Go!” He has chosen Saul to be the person who will carry his message to the Gentiles and their kings and to the Jews.
Did Ananias argue? Did he try to reason? Did he ignore this calling and lean on his own understanding? Nope. Verse seventeen tells us he went and found Saul. And if that wasn’t enough; here’s the coolest part; He puts his hands on him and says: “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
It wasn’t a grudgingly delivered message, like we find with Jonah. Ananias wasn’t angry that Jesus decided to use Saul. Jesus called. Ananias answered and not only did he heal Saul, he called him brother and baptized him.
Saul goes on to be Paul and we know his story, but Paul would have remained blind and huddling in a corner if Ananias hadn’t answered his call. Ananias was faithful, obedient and brave. He trusted Jesus and that trust and obedience enabled Paul to complete his all-important journey.
There are no unimportant or non-essential pieces in God’s plan. Every single person has a part to play. Every part matters. Just because you probably didn’t know Ananias before you read this, makes him no less important in the big story. There’s always a back story. No one ever gets where they are without help from someone else.
If you ever wonder if what you are doing matters, rest assured; if you are answering Jesus’ call, it matters. You matter. So, keep on going my friend. Keep doing what you do. You’re making Jesus proud. What do you think about Ananias? Feel free to share.
Have an awesome day!
Wendy 🙂