The 
Phases of Faith
Faith is the only way to grow in our relationship with God.
Friday, May 7, 2004
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My Prayer Today
Heavenly Father, I thank You for all Your blessings and dreams in my life! I thank You for Your written word, which shares with me how great people of the faith became great people of the faith—but putting their faith fully in You. I thank You this day for Ananias. He had every right to be frightened of Saul, since Saul was arresting Christians everywhere, and yet He trusted You. His trust meant that Saul’s ministry to the Gentiles could begin in a timely fashion. I pray that I will serve You in such a way today—may my life not be a source of delay for Your dreams. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I may be faithful and obedient. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
God's Word For Me Today
Acts 9:10-19
10Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, “Ananias!”
“Yes, Lord!” he replied.
11The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you arrive, ask for Saul of Tarsus. He is praying to me right now. 12I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying his hands on him so that he can see again.”
13“But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! 14And we hear that he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest every believer in Damascus.”
15But the Lord said, “Go and do what I say. For Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. 16And I will show him how much he must suffer for me.”
17So 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 may get your sight back and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. 19Afterward he ate some food and was strengthened.
Reflecting on God's Word
How do you think you would respond if God called you to welcome someone who everyone knows has always been antagonistic to everything Christian?
A Deeper Exploration of God's Word
What did God ask Ananias to do? (9:10-12)
How did Ananias respond? (9:13-14)
What was the result of Ananias’ obedience? (9:15-19)
Understanding God's Purpose
What do we learn about God’s purpose for humanity through today’s Scripture?
What does God’s using Saul (Paul) as one of his great apostles tell you about who God may choose to use to fulfill His dreams?
Applying God's Word to Our Lives
What do you see in Anania’s life that it would be good for you to apply in your life right now?
Thoughts...Ananias' Obedience...
To say that Ananias was reluctant to minister to Saul (Paul) is a major understatement. Ananias was so fearful of Saul and his reputation that when God gave Him a direct command, Ananias questioned it. It’s important for us to note that Ananias didn’t say, “NO!” to God. He asked for a clarification—“Lord, isn’t this the same guy that’s been wreaking havoc on the church?” The Lord told Ananias that Saul had changed—God had changed him, and he was now going to be God’s chosen instrument to preach to the Gentiles. The delay on Ananias’ part was brief. He just wanted to straighten out a few facts, and it’s always right to do that. Better to pause and reflect, to ask a couple questions, and then proceed. Ananias’ obedience led to Saul’s speedy healing and baptism. Then Saul went and started his ministry in Jesus’ name right there in Damascus. But Saul had more preparation to do. There were more delays in his life. Thankfully, Ananias wasn’t one of those delays. Ananias did everything he could do to help Saul, once he realized that God’s hand was on Him. May we also help one another in every way possible, so that we are not the source of delay for another brother or sister, on whom God has poured a dream or duty to advance His kingdom!