A Daily Devotion for Wednesday, January 8

Acts 9:10-19

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.

Psalm 25:4

Show me your ways, LORD,

teach me your paths.

I had never noticed verse 16 from Acts 9: “I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” I thought Paul used his suffering at times as a tool to convince or even manipulate others. He seemed to almost brag about it. But now that I realize where this suffering fits in, it makes so much more sense! Jesus made it clear from the beginning that Paul would suffer. It would be part of his individual calling. He knew this was part of the deal for him. And he was immediately transformed by Jesus! In my heart, this is right up there with the most amazing miracles ever. Again, we are reading about being called by Jesus. Paul was not allowed to miss his calling. I do not want to miss any calling from Jesus, no matter how small.

Holy Lord, lead me, I pray. Do not allow me to ignore what you would have me do for your kingdom. Amen

Becky, transforming