"Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. 12 And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight." Acts 9:11-12 NKJV
Ananias was an unknown believer in Damascus. He went about his ordinary life in a very ordinary way but, God was about to change his ordinary existence and turn him into someone extraordinary, a man who is still talked about today when the salvation of Saul is discussed.
God spoke to Ananias in a vision and called him to go to the house of Judas in Straight Street and lay hands on Saul of Tarsus. Ananias was understandably concerned as he knew of Saul's reputation for having people killed, persecuted and thrown into prisons because of their faith in Jesus Christ. However, he was a faithful man and after receiving assurance from the Lord, he obeyed God and went to Judas' house.
On arrival, he went into the house and explained to Saul that Jesus, who had spoken to him on the Damascus Road, had sent him to pray for him. He then laid his hands on Saul, prayed for his healing and baptism in the Holy Spirit. At once, Saul's eyes were opened and he received the filling of the Holy Spirit.
Many unknown believers have influenced many well-known people of God. It is not fame that God seeks for them but, faithfulness in serving Him. God is like a very skilled chess player and places people in strategic positions to fulfil His work. You may well have been one of these chess pieces - what a privilege! When God says 'Go', we must go. Just think, it's possible that we may not have heard about Paul if Ananias had refused to go, and also, Ananias would not have received the blessing from Jesus.
God can change things in a very dynamic way; there was a bright light - Jesus' voice and this persecuting, strict Sanhedrin member was knocked off his high horse by Jesus and ministered to by an unknown obedient believer. Many evangelists have a great harvest and are well known; but no one knew of Ananias but God did and made him instrumental in setting Saul on the road for an amazing preaching ministry and book writing career.
Never underestimate God. You may feel that no one knows you, never uses your ministry and you'll never accomplish much. But this thinking means you are leaving God out of the equation. Be obedient, be open, be ready and be humble; God likes this attitude and you may be the next one that God uses. You don't think so? I bet Ananias didn't think so either, but God turned up big time. YOU ARE IMPORTANT!
Copyright 2021 Grahame Howard.
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