Miracles | Midyear Prayer, Fasting, and Consecration (English)Sample

Acts 9:10–19

Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; and taking food, he was strengthened.

Additional Reading: Acts 9:1–9; 26:12–18

Imagine yourself in Ananias’s shoes. He was a disciple, not an apostle, a church leader, or a deacon. Yet the Lord Jesus appeared to him in a vision and called him to a daunting task—visit and lay hands on Saul, the notorious persecutor of the church, so that Saul may regain his sight. This was the same Saul that had assisted those who murdered Stephen, was making murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples, and had been on his way to Damascus to arrest, bind, and bring them to Jerusalem. Ananias was probably hesitant and confused. Why was God sending him to such a man? Ananias could have considered his safety and refused to go to an enemy. But God told him that Saul was waiting for him.

So Ananias obeyed God, laid his hands on Saul, and a miracle happened. Saul was able to see and was then filled with the Holy Spirit. This became a turning point in his life in becoming the apostle Paul, who would be sent by God to the Gentiles all over the Roman empire so that their eyes would be opened and they would turn to God. He would be instrumental in bringing the gospel to the ends of the earth.

This story shows that God can use anyone, regardless of a person’s background or status in life. Even if Ananias was not a prominent figure in the church, God chose him to do something significant. Similarly, God can use any of us to make a difference in others’ lives, including those we may be in conflict with. We may have our own excuses: not considering ourselves capable of ministering, thinking that someone else is better suited for the task, or feeling reluctant, fearful, uncomfortable, inadequate, or intimidated. Our reputation and even our safety may be at stake.

But, when this happens, will we choose to be available and obey God and His word? By faith, will we step out of our comfort zone? When God speaks, leads, and guides us, may we respond in faith, trusting Him to work through us and fulfill His plans and purposes for His greater glory. May we always be reminded that His Spirit is in us to empower us so that when God calls us, we can readily say, “Here I am, Lord.” And when we do, we can be willing channels of God's eye-opening miracles, bringing salvation and healing to those in need.

• At first, Ananias described Saul as someone who had done much evil to Christ’s people, but later on, he addressed and accepted him as his“brother Saul.” In what ways can you relate to Ananias’s initial confusion and hesitation to minister to Saul? How do you think you can overcome your doubts and fears in such circumstances for the sake of the gospel?
• What do you think God is teaching you about His power to transform even the most unlikely individuals and fulfill His purposes? How can you trust God’s ability to work through you, despite your own limitations and weaknesses?
• How can you be more willing to step out of your comfort zone and obey God’s call to engage and reach those around you despite the difficulty and discomfort? How can you be more open and responsive to God’s leadership in your life today?

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

where there is sadness, joy.

O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console,

to be understood as to understand,

to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen.

“Peace Prayer” of Saint Francis