Scripture:

“Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, ‘Ananias.’ And he said, ‘Here I am, Lord.’ And the Lord said to him, ‘Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.’ But Ananias answered, ‘Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.’ But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.’

 

So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’ And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; and taking food, he was strengthened.” Acts 9: 10-19 (ESV)

 

 

Perspective:

Ananias would have known about Saul. Saul was the man on the way to his town, intending to persecute the believers. Ananias had probably been concerned for his life, and then the Lord interrupted his life with an unexpected assignment. The Lord told Ananias that he should voluntarily go to Saul. He may have initially thought that a blind Saul was actually a good idea, because it limited his ability to persecute the church. Surprisingly, Ananias didn’t refuse, but simply reminded the Lord about Saul and what he had done. God still wanted him to go, so Ananias went. Imagine the conversation Ananias had with himself on the way to the place Saul was staying. If this wasn’t the Lord’s instructions, he would be walking into a trap that could cost him his life. He kept walking, and when he arrived, he walked toward Saul, the man who had wielded venomous threats days earlier. Saul sat there blinded, Ananias placed his hands on him, and he immediately regained sight. Ananias may have wanted to move back toward the door at this point, but the change had already occurred in Saul’s heart before it occurred in his eyes. While this was an unexpected assignment at best, Ananias had the unique opportunity to be part of Saul’s story, later known as Paul. The people Paul would reach would far exceed Ananias’ influence, but as Ananias obeyed God, he got to be part of this world changer’s life.

 

 

Sometimes God brings unexpected assignments into our lives, and usually it is not something we were planning. Maybe God lays someone on your heart who you need to encourage. He may ask you to share His love with a coworker who openly dislikes you. He may come to you with an unexpected assignment in a million different ways. The “what” is not as important as your willingness to partner with God by obeying. Ananias could not have imagined how Saul’s life would change or his impact to reach people with the love of Jesus. When we respond in obedience to God’s direction, we also can’t anticipate the totality of the impact of our obedience in the lives of those around us. What unexpected assignment has God been asking you to do? Instead of responding in obedience, you may have a list of reasons of why you can’t. It may include not giving to your friend’s mission trip because you don’t know how you are going to survive financially. It may include not calling that friend because you don’t want to be an inconvenience for them. Whatever God is asking you to do, say ‘yes.’ You too will be thankful that you didn’t overlook the God-given unexpected assignments that turn into the divine moments that shape your life.

 

Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

[separator_small separator_width=” thickness=” up=” down=”]

About Hona Amer

I help people live life to the fullest. Check out my book, Smart Work U. Follow me on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. In order to receive updates, subscribe below.

[separator_small separator_width=” thickness=” up=” down=”]