There He Is, Lord!

27 Apr

There was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias,
and the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” 
He answered, “Here I am, Lord.”  (Acts 9:10)

There are so many times in our lives when we do not want to say to the Lord, “Here I am, Lord.”

Today’s first reading would definitely be one of those times.

The reading opens up talking about “Saul, breathing murderous threats” against the Christians as he is on the hunt.  He wants to arrest and do away with as many Christians as he can.  He has the means, method, and authority to do so.

He has accounted for everything.

Everything, that is, except for God.

On the way to Damascus, he is struck from his horse.  A dazzling light appears, a thunderous voice is heard, and he finds himself blinded.  He is instructed by the Lord to go into the city to search for a man named Ananias.

Meanwhile, Ananias receives a vision that he is to minister to a man named Saul.

Ananias was beside himself.

He tried to remind the Lord that Saul was the enemy.  Ananias was fearful for his life.

Jesus insisted that he go to Saul.  So he did.  He met Saul, ministered to him, and Saul’s eyesight returned.

After that, Ananias taught the faith to Saul and Saul became a changed man and a staunch defender of Christianity under his new name: Paul.

Have you felt the Lord calling you to do something?  Are you frightened of the consequences of listening to the Lord?  Have no fear.  If He asks you to do something, He will supply all that you need.

FAITH ACTION:  Take some time to think about what it is you might be leaving undone.  Does a task frighten you?  Are you reluctant to volunteer to help others?  Ask the Lord for His strength and grace to help you accomplish what is being asked of you.