HEED
Through the Book of Acts
[Acts 9]

Acts 9:13-16

¹³"Lord," Ananias answered, "I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. ¹⁴And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name."

¹⁵But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. ¹⁶I will show him how much he must suffer for my name."

Paul had just been converted on his way to Damascus through a vision.
He got blind for 3 days; did not eat or drink anything. (v. 9)
Ananias, a disciple, was told by God that he (Ananias) was to place his hands on Paul to restore his sight.
In fear, Ananias gave God reasons of who Paul was (as if God didn't know what he was talking about! LOL)
Yet, God assured Ananias by giving him the purpose of why this has to happen - that Paul was going to be the instrument used in carrying the name of God before the Gentiles. (v.15)


// Stuff

• Sometimes we would be like Ananias, giving reasons to God - as if God does not know that He sees all things already, all past, present and future.
• Ananias heed the voice of God - obeyed (probably in fear that his life would be in danger of the former Saul).
• Here's another incident of TRUST in heeding God's voice.

Firstly, it requires of us to be totally discerning of God's voice. With that, we can be sure that we are hearing God's voice and not just our own minds or emotions. When God speaks, we know that He's got it all figured out even though we think that it may seem "scary" or "impossible" for that to happen. Just like Ananias, he might have been a little "doubtful" because of fear (of Saul), yet he still obeyed God's voice - FAITH - knowing that God knows what He's talking about.

// Ananias

• Sensitive to the voice of God.
• He knew that it was God's voice speaking.
• He obeyed, though in fear for his life.
• He was used for God's plan for Paul to be the messenger of the Gospel to the Gentiles.

What if Ananias didn't obey? I'm sure God would still have fulfilled His will in other ways. However, Ananias would've missed out on the blessings. Hmmm...


// Belle

I know when God speaks to me. I hear His voice clearly through His word. I must heed anything that He will tell me to do even though it may seem scary or impossible. Right now, I just need to know what He wants me to do. I will not give Him any reasons for me not doing what He's asking me because I trust that what He's saying has been all figured out for me.

Just like Ananias, I want to be the messenger that will "take off the scales" of someones eyes and "place my hand" on them because of the plan that God has ordained for them to do - a messenger of the Gospel.

:: Oh Lord God, You are awesome. Help me to heed Your voice without any hesitation. Today, I pray that I will be sensitive to what You are asking me to do. Use me as a vessel to "take the scales of someone's eyes" to help them step forward to the plan you have for them in the ministry. Whatever it is you want me to do, help me to just heed you right away without any reasoning. Thank you Lord, in Jesus' name, amen.