Unstoppable! 'Called Beyond Fear' — Acts 9:10-14

Thursday, May 11, 2023

Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, "Ananias!"

"Yes, Lord!" he replied.

The Lord said, "Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again."

"But Lord," exclaimed Ananias, "I've heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name."

— Acts 9:10-14 NLT

Key Thought

I am amazed that Ananias obeyed the Lord's directive to share the message of Jesus with Saul of Tarsus, the persecutor of Jesus' followers. Ananias had the right attitude: "'Yes, Lord!' he replied." Despite his objections but after some reassurance from the Lord, he "went and found Saul" (Acts 9:17). Still, I cannot imagine the courage he mustered. Then, he displayed grace to the man who had come to arrest and persecute disciples in Damascus, including him. Ananias showed that I must have the courage to go when Jesus calls me, regardless of the circumstances. His obedience challenges me to live my life obediently in response to the Lord's call.

Today's Prayer

O LORD, I believe, but help my unbelief. I recognize that courage is doing what you ask me to do even when I am uncertain or afraid. Thank you for Ananias' example of faith and courage in the face of danger. Please strengthen my resolve as I step forward to follow your call. I need your Spirit to strengthen, equip, and empower me. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 2 Timothy 4:1-8
  • Philippians 1:17-25

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 9:10-14 NLT — Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, "Ananias!" "Yes, Lord!" he replied. The Lord said, "Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again." "But Lord," exclaimed Ananias, "I've heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name."

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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