Skip to main content

Part 2 Ananias’s Story: A Leap of Faith

News Letter Journal - Staff Photo - Create Article
By
Dean Butler

The story I’m about to share is found in Acts 9:1-19. It’s a day I’ll never forget, the day my life changed forever, all because I answered a call from the Lord. As a disciple of Jesus in Damascus, my days were filled with worship, fellowship, and sharing the Gospel. But there was an air of fear in the city; word had spread that Saul of Tarsus was coming. He was known as a fierce persecutor of Christians, dragging men and women from their homes and throwing them into prison. The thought of him sending soldiers to our doors filled my heart with dread.

One afternoon, as I prayed for strength and protection, I felt a presence, a whisper that drew me deeper into my thoughts. Suddenly, I heard His voice, clear and commanding: "Ananias." It was the Lord calling me by name. In that moment, my heart raced. What could He possibly want with me?

“Here I am, Lord,” I replied, my voice trembling with anticipation.

He instructed me to go to a specific house on Straight Street and seek out a man named Saul. My heart sank. “But Lord,” I protested, “I have heard from many about this man and all the evil he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem! He has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.” This reminded me of the verse in Isaiah 41:10, where God says, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God."

I wrestled with fear and uncertainty. Saul was a notorious enemy, and here I was, a humble follower of Christ, being asked to approach him? How could I possibly go near this man, who was known for his ruthless ways? But as I stood there, wrestling with my doubts, the Lord’s words pierced through my fear: “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine to carry My name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.” This reminded me of Romans 8:28, where Paul says that "all things work together for good to those who love God."

In that moment, everything shifted. I realized that God’s plans were often beyond my understanding. If the Lord could choose Saul, a man who had done so much harm, then perhaps there was hope for redemption, even for him. My fear began to transform into courage as I felt the weight of God’s calling on my heart.

So, I went. I found the house and knocked on the door, my heart pounding in my chest. When I entered, I saw Saul, still blind from the light of his encounter with Christ. The moment felt surreal. “Brother Saul,” I said, “the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

As I laid my hands on him, something miraculous happened. Something like scales fell from his eyes, and he could see again. I could hardly believe it—this man, who once hunted us down, was now transformed before my very eyes.

That day, I witnessed the incredible power of God’s grace. Saul, later known as Paul, became one of the greatest champions of the Gospel. I often reflect on that moment, realizing that God had a plan for both of us. He used my simple act of obedience to help a man who would go on to spread the message of Christ to the ends of the earth.

I learned that our fears can sometimes overshadow God’s plans, but when we step out in faith, we can be part of something greater than ourselves. Through Saul’s story, I discovered that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace and that we are all called to play a role in His unfolding narrative. As Philippians 4:13 reminds us, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

 

Fifty years ago, I dedicated my life to serving the Lord. I earned an associate degree in Christian Education and a bachelor’s degree in Christian Counseling. I strive to live by the principles found in 1 Corinthians 9:16, Ephesians 3:7-8, and Colossians 1:28-29. In my retirement, I am committed to studying and teaching God’s Word. In addition to writing this blog, I also manage three Facebook pages dedicated to sharing the message of God. Email: hopeinchrist2024@yahoo.com

I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.

--- Online Subscribers: Please click here to log in to read this story and access all content.

Not an Online Subscriber? Click here for a one-week subscription for only $1!.