In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!”
“Yes, Lord,” he answered.
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. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus.

Trains are fascinating to me because they are a consistently moving force that hauls a ton of weight … and they are hard to stop. When I think about what makes a train operate well, there is, of course, the engines. These engines haul the weight of the train. Brakes are important to bring the train to a stop. The lubrication of the connections between the cars and the operating parts is important. And finally, (I am sure more considerations are there that I am missing), the balance of the loads.

However, for a train to run well, other people outside the train and its operations must also do their part: 1) The general public must not park on the tracks or cross at the wrong time. 2) The local governments must put up stop or yield signs and lights and crossing gates to protect the track as the trains come across roads. 3) Mechanics must repair and replace parts so the train will run well.

When I think of all the ways God pulls diverse people together to accomplish his purposes among us, it is mind-blowing. And it is important to keep in mind, as it keeps us from tunnel vision and just focusing on ourselves and the “here and now”.

Ananias was focused initially on his own little world, his current brothers in the church, and their safety and security. However, God had bigger plans for his church. He chose Saul to reach out to Gentiles and help them come to know Jesus. So Ananias obeyed him.

Obedience to God is key to drawing close to him and seeing him work in life in marvelous ways. God always has a grander plan than I do. His purposes are always good and for our good.

Lord, thank you for this example of a faithful man, Ananias, who let you lead and obeyed your call even when it seemed to potentially end in imprisonment or death. Give me bold obedience to follow you wherever you lead, in your perfect timing, with an attitude of joy and thankfulness for all you have done for me!