Acts 9:10
“And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.”
The Bible is our sole guide for faith and practice. It is also great literature. The Lord is Master of the plot twist—that unexpected turn in the story that changes everything. The story of Ananias is an excellent example of how prayer changes things. The twist in the story is also testimony that the greatest change prayer effects is in the person doing the praying.
Saul of Tarsus, breathing out threats and slaughter, was on his way to Damascus. He had letters from the high priest authorizing him to slap Jewish Christians in chains and drag them to Jerusalem. Ananias had a big target on his back. So, he did what Christians facing danger should do—he prayed.
Scripture only relates what Ananias said once God answered. We don’t know with certainty the content of the beginning of his prayer. Nevertheless, we can place ourselves in his position. While there, we should think about how we might respond to the stresses we face. That is how meditation on the scriptures works to grow our faith.
Many things may have occupied Ananias’ mind and prayers that day. It’s not a huge leap of either faith or logic to guess that the coming danger occupied a good deal of his prayer. We can be pretty sure of that given his initial response to God’s answer. A man of faith, Ananias trusted God to answer his prayer and protect the Christians in the city.
Plot twist! God’s answer is for Ananias to go look Saul up and pray for him. Saul, the man he sought protection from—go pray for him?
I know how I’d respond. “God, are you sure about this? I’ve heard of this man. He’s been party to killing Christians. I know we’re supposed to pray for our enemies, but isn’t this a bit extreme? Couldn’t I just pray from here?”
Ananias is a better man than I am. He said Amen, went on his way, found the house, laid hands on Saul, and called him brother. God answered Ananias’ prayer. He protected him, and his fellow Christians from Saul. God did not do it the way anybody expected Him to.
We should expect God to answer when we pray. We should not limit God by thinking the answer must be the one we imagine. God’s thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not our ways, However, His thoughts toward us are peace and love. God’s answer is always the best one for us, and it will always change our life if we receive it.
Maranatha
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