Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” He answered, “Here I am, Lord.” The Lord said to him, “Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul. At this moment 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 in Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who invoke your name.” But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel; I myself will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, 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 his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength.
Acts 9:10-19

I don’t know that I have ever met someone named Ananias in my life. But, in the first 9 chapters of the book of Acts we are introduced to two. In chapter 5, Ananias, the husband of Sapphira, plots with his wife to lie about an amount of money given to the church, and they are both carried away dead. (Bad Ananias). Then, in chapter 9, we run across another person with the same name. (Good Ananias).

This Ananias was bold. This Ananias trusted God. This Ananias put faith into action. Right after Saul had been converted from murderer to preacher, the Lord spoke to Ananias in a vision. The Lord (in the vision) told Ananias to take a dangerous walk and to lay healing hands on Saul. Ananias cautiously questioned this word from God, and then he prayerfully consented.

Like Mary and Joseph and so many faithful others, Ananias listened to God (questioned God for clarity) and followed God’s commands.

Do I have the faith that will listen and follow?

Prayer

Wonderful God, help me to take the time in my life to truly be in touch with You. And, as I listen for You to speak, give me the depth of faith so that I might do what You instruct. Amen.