Daily Devotion, January 12, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Acts 9:10-19.

Saul’s conversion on the Road to Damascus is very familiar. But perhaps we often overlook God’s transforming work in Ananias’ life! Ananias knew the facts about Saul. Ananias says unto the Lord, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. 14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”

Ananias was no doubt afraid to meet Saul! But God had other plans for Ananias. God said, “Go!” And Ananias obeyed.

We know a little bit more about Ananias from Acts 22:12. Saul is telling his own conversion story. “A man named Ananias came to see me. He was a devout observer of the law and highly respected by all the Jews living there. 13 He stood beside me and said, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight!’ And at that very moment I was able to see him.”

Dr. Robert W. Wall writes, “Like Saul, Ananias was a devout Jew, however he is numbered among the believers Saul seeks to harm. Ironically, it is now Ananias who seeks out Saul to heal him and deliver the initial instructions of a new life.”

Ananias' transformational experience was to realize that with God, it is possible for a life to be changed! When Ananias sees Saul, his first words to him are “Brother Saul”. Ananias already recognizes the work God has begun in Saul’s life!

With God, it is possible for a life to be changed! Sometimes, we forget this. We give up praying for others! We are blind to see God’s work in their lives! We need God to change us, too! Our new prayer for this year is for God’s help to overcome holding grudges against one another and instead, seek God’s help in showing love and forgiveness.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear Lord, give us humble hearts and the courage to follow where you are leading us. Help us to forgive others who have wronged us. Help us to remember that with you, it is possible for a life to be changed and transformed by your love and forgiveness. Open our eyes to see your life-changing power in our lives and in the lives of others. Amen.