“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.” Acts 9:15
Saul was a leader with the Pharisees in stopping all Christians. He had a lot of power and authority. With the written authority of the head leaders, he was going to Damascus to kill more Christians. He had the governments backing to kill. God had another plan for him. As Saul is going to Damascus God gets a hold of him and gets his attention. He is blinded and told to go into Damascus where another man will tell him what to do.
God tells Ananias to go to Saul. Ananias, understandably, was afraid of Saul. God then points out that He had a plan to use Saul to reach the lost Gentiles. It would not be just a few people, but many from the low peasants to the kings that Saul would reach.
Often as believers people are like Ananias. Many do not want to go anywhere near a person who is against God. Yet, God loves them just the same. Jesus can change any person and draw him to Himself. The challenge comes in getting someone to go to that person.
Most believers do not know someone who has authority to kill Christians, but they may know someone who is against believers. That person may be the one who will severely cut down believers and make life rough for them. Yet, that very person may be the one God is trying to reach. He may be the one that God wants to use to reach the lost.
Once Saul met Jesus he was changed. Instead of fighting against Jesus, he started fighting for Jesus. He got onto the front lines trying to tell others about Jesus.
Two things can be seen in this passage. First, are you changed for Jesus? Are you willing to go onto the front lines for Jesus? Are you willing to make a difference for Him?
Second, are you willing to go to those who look hopeless for Jesus? Are you willing to go to those no one wants to try and talk to about Jesus? That person may be the next Paul, are you willing to tell him about Jesus?
God has a plan for you and for everyone else. Be willing to fulfill that plan and help others fulfill God’s plan for them. Be the instrument God needs.
I pray today that you will have a vision of who Jesus is; that Jesus will help you reach the lost; that you will not fear the lost; that you will be changed for Jesus; and that you will be the instrument to change the lost.
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