I think most of us are familiar with the Road to Damascus story of Paul’s conversion from a persecutor of Christians to a champion for Christ. (Acts 9) When he encountered the living Christ he was thrown from his horse and was made blind. Jesus instructed him to go into the city and wait to be told what to do.
Then the Lord called Ananias to go to a house on Strait Street and find Paul and heal him. I love that the Bible is so specific that it even tells us the name of the street where Paul was waiting.
Ananias knew of Paul’s reputation and didn’t want to heal him. He knew this would mean more Christians would lose their lives. But Jesus answers him in v. 15: “But the Lord said to Ananias, Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles, and their kings, and before the people of Israel.”
We understand Ananias’ hesitation. Why on earth would the Lord want to restore the sight to a man who was persecuting the Church?
Things Aren’t Always As They Seem
Jesus had incredible plans for Paul to preach the Good News to the Gentiles. Paul was a tireless servant of the Lord and actually wrote two-thirds of the New Testament. He gave his life as a living sacrifice for the work of Christ.
Thank God that He sees the big picture even when we can’t. We need to trust in Him and listen when He calls us even if it doesn’t make sense to us. The Lord knows the plans He has for us. We could possibly be another Paul if we obey. God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called. That means you and me, my friends.
