June 11, 2009 - Acts 9:11

“The Lord told him, ‘Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying.’” Acts 9:11.
Ananias, a follower of Jesus, who lived in Damascus, is having a conversation with the Lord. Once He has gotten Ananias’ attention, the Lord gives him instructions on how to get to the house in Damascus where Saul, known to be the arch-enemy of the Church, is staying. He hears from the Lord that Saul is in prayer at this house. The Lord also indicates that Saul has seen in a vision that Ananias is to come to him and will pray for his sight to be restored.
I have heard it said, “I do not doubt that God speaks clearly; I doubt my ability to hear what He said clearly.” This really resonates with me! I hear Him “speak” to me in the Scriptures, through friends and those around me, through books and writings, and through nature, but I am not so sure that I have heard Him speak to me as if we were talking together, face to face. I have a sense that this has happened, yet since I could not see Him with my eyes or touch Him with my hands, it is still difficult to fully and clearly understand His specific instructions for me. Again, I do not doubt that He does this; what I doubt is my ability to hear His words clearly.
That is what makes this verse amazing to me! Ananias has no doubt that the Lord is speaking to him and that He has given him specific instructions for a specific job.
Questions to consider: Have you ever experienced God speaking to you? Have you ever doubted that you heard Him correctly? Have you ever known that you understood the specific instructions that He gave you?
Prayer: Father, thank You that You care so much for each of us that You speak to us in personal ways. Give us ears to hear You, even when what You say to us is difficult for us to hear and understand. Amen.