Here is a devotion to start your day!
Also available now at Power, Love & Miracles:
Hidden Heroes of the Bible: The Empty Tomb. Chapters 7-9
Nicodemus: Faith That Grows in the Dark. The Bible Unplugged podcast, episode 72
Hero: Ananias of Damascus
One small ‘Yes’ that unlocked Paul’s calling
Scripture: Acts 9:10–19
Laying his hands on him, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord, who appeared to you on the road by which you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
Reflection
When the Lord calls Ananias in a vision, his answer is immediate: “Behold, it’s me, Lord.” That’s the response of someone used to listening.
Then God gives him an assignment that feels impossible: go to the house where Saul of Tarsus is staying, lay hands on him, and restore his sight.
Ananias knows who Saul is. He knows the damage Saul has done, the fear his name carries among believers. He gently reminds the Lord of this reputation, as if to say, “Are You sure?”
God’s answer is simple: Saul is “a chosen vessel.” Go.
So, Ananias goes.
He walks the streets of Damascus toward the man everyone is afraid of. He steps into the house. He sees Saul, blind and vulnerable. And the first word he speaks to his former enemy is “Brother.”
With that one word, Ananias does more than heal Saul’s eyes; he welcomes him into the family.
You may not be called to lay hands on future apostles, but you will be asked, at times, to move toward people you fear, resent, or don’t understand. You may be called to act on a conviction that doesn’t feel safe, to offer forgiveness where there has been hurt, to extend trust where there has been failure.
Your obedience might look like a phone call, a conversation, an apology, a blessing. It may feel small. But like Ananias’ “yes,” it can open the door for God to do something far bigger than you can imagine.
Unassuming heroes are often those who obey quietly, even when their knees are shaking.
Centering Prayer
Lord,
You know the people I’m afraid of, angry at, or tempted to avoid. You see the stories behind their actions. Calm my fear and soften my heart. If you are working in someone I distrust, give me courage to step toward them in obedience and love. Teach me to say, “Brother” or “Sister” where I once said “enemy.” – Amen
Practice for Today
Pray specifically for someone you struggle to trust or like. If the Spirit nudges and it is safe, take a small step toward them—a kind word, a gentle conversation, or simply a shift in your posture.
Journaling Prompt
Who feels like “Saul” in my life right now? How might God be at work in them in ways I can’t yet see?
Closing Blessing
Be willing to listen when God challenges your fears.
Let Him redraw your lines of “us” and “them.”
Move, when He calls, toward people you would rather avoid.
Trust that your quiet obedience may unlock someone’s calling.
Pray as You Go
Breathe in: Calm my fear…
Breath out: … lead me to unlikely people
This work is freely shared. If it nourishes your life with God, you’re welcome to help sustain it.