Unstoppable! 'Risky Obedience' — Acts 9:17-19

Sunday, May 14, 2023

[After the Lord told Ananias to go to Saul because Saul was his chosen instrument,] Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." Instantly something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength.

Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days.

— Acts 9:17-19 NLT

Key Thought

I love the simple way Luke described Ananias' world-changing faith: "Ananias went and found Saul." Saul had come to Damascus with letters from the authorities in Jerusalem to find followers of Jesus and arrest them. Ananias came to Saul with grace to liberate him from his wrong-headed beliefs and open his heart to Jesus. Obedience is often not easy, but it is very likely the most direct way forward and the clearest way to honor God. I thank God for Ananias and his obedient faith!

Today's Prayer

O Father, thank you for all in my lineage of faith who chose to obey you and live for Jesus. I do not take for granted the blessings of the grace I have received from you through the work of others who have help lead me to faith. Thank you for every single one of those in my faith family tree who have helped lead me to the grace I've received. Thank you for using them to bless me. Now, dear Father, I ask that you use me to pass on my faith to future generations! I ask for this grace in Jesus's name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 2 Timothy 2:1-2
  • 1 Peter 2:9-10, 3:15-16

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 9:17-19 NLT — [After the Lord told Ananias to go to Saul because Saul was his chosen instrument,] Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." Instantly something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength. Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days.

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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