Ananias is a disciple who is mentioned only briefly in the Bible, but God called on him to play an important role in the life of Saul of Tarsus, who went on to become the apostle Paul. 

 

Saul of Tarsus was a terrible human being—an enemy of Christians who sought to punish and imprison men and women who professed to believe in Jesus, but his life was turned around. Known worldwide as one of the greatest Christian missionaries, Paul’s story of transformation from a cruel persecutor of Christians, to a devoted follower of the teachings of Jesus, provides proof that God can change hearts and minds. 

 

On the road to Damascus with his henchmen, Saul encountered God and was blinded by a bright light that surrounded him. This experience left him blind for three days. 

 

Acts 9:10–12 shares how God used Ananias to help change Saul’s life: “Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, ‘Ananias.’ And he said, ‘Here I am, Lord.’ So the Lord said to him, ‘Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.’’’ 

 

Despite Saul’s fearsome reputation among Christians, Ananias expressed readiness to execute the Lord’s instructions, and God used him to restore Saul’s sight, at which point the man came to faith and began preaching about what God had done in his life. No longer a persecutor of Christians, Saul became the apostle Paul, and his life was forever changed. Ananias was ready when God called on him, and many, many lives were changed because he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 

 

Let’s pray. 

 

Dear Lord Jesus, the Bible is filled with examples of men and women who lived for you. Open our eyes to opportunities to serve you, so when you call on us, we too can say, “Here I am, Lord.” In Jesus’ name, amen.