Welcome back for Part 2 of Acts 9. I hope you’re anticipating God’s work in your life and falling more in love with Him every day. Jesus speaks more in this story. And oh my are these enjoyable stories. And stories that prove it is possible to hear Him and even get a vision from Him. Anticipate Him.
Lord, lead us. Show us this story in a way we’ve never seen before. Help us understand and believe it even more. I trust You, Lord. Amen.
You can Anticipate Him
Please read Acts 9:10-12
10 Now in Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias; and the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he answered, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 And the Lord said to him, “Get up and go to the street called [d]Straight, and ask at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul; for he is praying [there], 12 and in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come in and place his hands on him, so that he may regain his sight.”
Did you notice 2 visions? Ananias sees Jesus, Saul sees a man named Ananias. So cool. And yes, Jesus does still provide visions like this if He thinks you need it.
A story from My Life
I will tell you a short story now… years ago when I was praying about sending my daughter to school and how I was so against it and didn’t want it and felt like I was getting railroaded in the decision I turned and right there I saw myself at Jesus’ feet. I saw his form but not his face as I was bowed to his feet. But you know what this did? Instant Peace. He is Peace and He brings Peace. Confirmation that He is always with us. Very close with us.
I always Anticipate Him.
It took several years of prayers but I have her home now. Because He did this I expect He will do more in my life. Yes, I homeschool as well as write this. Maybe one day I’ll write about that, but this story was proof that I needed to see He heard me and encouragement to keep praying.
Thank You, Jesus for being right here with me, right there with my readers and over all our lives. For nothing is worth doing without You. So Lord, draw us close and lead us. Always for your glory. Amen.
Ananias’ Argument
Please read Acts 9:13-19a
13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many people about this man, especially how much suffering and evil he has brought on Your saints (God’s people) at Jerusalem; 14 and here [in Damascus] he has authority from the high priests to put in chains all who call on Your name [confessing You as Savior].”
Jesus’ Response
15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for this man is a [deliberately] chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; 16 for I will make clear to him how much he must suffer and endure for My name’s sake.” 17 So Ananias left and entered the house, and he laid his hands on Saul and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came [to Damascus], has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit [in order to proclaim Christ to both Jews and Gentiles].” 18 Immediately something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized; 19a and he took some food and was strengthened.
Footnotes
[d] Straight – Acts 9:11 Latin Via Recta, a long, straight street built by the Romans that ran through the city from east to west.
Jesus works through His people and look Saul regained his sight. ‘Sent me so that…’ Oh Jesus what You do through those You send is wonderful. Healing and helping and changing everything. I praise You and ask, do it again in our day.
Anticipate Him in your life today.