Devotional: Obeying the Voice of God
Scripture Reading: Acts 9
Key Verse:
“The Lord told him, ‘Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.’ ‘Lord,’ Ananias answered, ‘I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.’ But the Lord said to Ananias, ‘Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.’ Then Ananias went to the house and entered it.” —Acts 9:11-17 NIV
Reflection:
Have you ever had a conversation like this with God? Perhaps it didn’t seem as clear as this conversation, but you knew God wanted you to do something that you absolutely did not want to do. This is something that many of us can relate to.
In Acts 9, we read about Ananias, a disciple in Damascus, who found himself in a similar situation. God asked him to go to Saul, a man known for persecuting Christians, and restore his sight. Ananias was understandably hesitant and fearful. He knew Saul’s reputation and the harm he had caused to the believers in Jerusalem. Ananias even reminded God of these facts, as if God needed a reminder. But God had a different perspective and a greater plan for Saul.
What does this mean for us?
God’s Perspective vs. Our Perspective:
Ananias saw Saul as a threat, but God saw him as a chosen instrument. When God calls us to do something that seems difficult or frightening, we must remember that His perspective is far greater than ours. He knows the bigger picture and has a purpose for everything He asks us to do.Have you ever felt God calling you to do something you were afraid or reluctant to do? How did you respond?
Obedience in the Face of Fear:
Ananias had every reason to be afraid, but he chose to obey God’s voice. This act of obedience not only changed Saul’s life but also impacted the course of Christianity. Our obedience, even when it is difficult, can have a profound effect on our lives and the lives of others.What can you learn from Ananias’s obedience that you can apply to your own life?
Trusting God’s Plan:
God’s plan for Saul included suffering, but it also included great purpose. Trusting God’s plan means believing that He can use even our most challenging and painful experiences for His glory and our good.How can you trust God’s perspective and plan more fully in your current circumstances?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for Your perfect perspective and greater plan. Help me to trust You when You call me to do difficult things. Give me the courage and strength to obey Your voice, knowing that You can use my obedience for Your glory and the good of others. Thank You for the example of Ananias and for the transformation in Saul’s life. May we be willing vessels for Your work. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Action Steps:
- Reflect on a situation where you felt God calling you to do something difficult. Pray for courage and clarity in how to move forward in obedience.
- Identify an area in your life where you need to trust God’s perspective more fully. Ask God to help you see things from His point of view.
- Reach out to someone who may need encouragement to obey God’s call in their life. Offer to pray with them and support them in their journey.