When God Called Ananias

In the ancient city of Damascus, a devoted disciple of Jesus named Ananias lived quietly amid growing tension. It was a dangerous time to follow Christ. Jesus had been crucified, raised from the dead, and ascended to heaven, but His message was spreading rapidly, and this frightened the religious leaders of the day.

To stop the movement, the chief priests appointed agents to hunt down the followers of Jesus and silence them by any means necessary.

A Call from the Lord

One day, alone in his home, Ananias heard the familiar voice of the Lord.

“Ananias!”

“Yes, Lord,” he answered.

The Lord gave him a shocking instruction:

“Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying. In a vision, he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”

Ananias froze. Saul of Tarsus was notorious. Every Christian in the region knew his name and feared him. He had orchestrated the deaths of believers and had been given authority by the chief priests to arrest anyone who followed Jesus.

“Lord,” Ananias responded carefully, “I’ve heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. He has come here with authority to arrest all who call on your name.”

But God replied without hesitation:

“Go. This man is my chosen vessel to proclaim my name to the Gentiles, their kings, and the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”

A Vision of Redemption

As the Lord spoke, Ananias saw a vision of Saul on the road to Damascus. A brilliant light had knocked him and his companions to the ground. While the others were confused, Saul’s eyes remained locked on the light. Jesus Himself had appeared to him.

Though still afraid, Ananias understood that God was working powerfully in Saul’s life. Trusting the voice of the Lord more than his own fear, Ananias obeyed.

He left his house and went to the home on Straight Street.

A Moment of Transformation

Inside, he found Saul lying helpless and blind. All of Ananias’ fear vanished.

He stepped forward and said:

“Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

At that moment, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again.

From Saul to Paul

This encounter marked the beginning of one of the most dramatic transformations in Christian history. Saul became known as the Apostle Paul, a tireless missionary, church planter, and author of much of the New Testament.

He traveled widely, preached the gospel with boldness, discipled leaders, and endured immense suffering for the sake of Christ.

The Importance of Obedience

What if Ananias had said no?

What if he had chosen the “wise” route, staying hidden, avoiding danger, and protecting himself from the man who had persecuted so many?

Yes, Saul’s conversion was ultimately a divine encounter. But God chose to involve Ananias in the process. He invited a fearful but faithful disciple to participate in a miracle of transformation.

Saul was a hard case. He wasn’t indifferent to Jesus. He actively tried to destroy His followers. Yet God chose him. He saw past Saul’s violence and zealotry and called him a “chosen vessel.”

How Far Does God’s Love Go?

Sometimes we forget just how radical Saul’s conversion was. He had legal power to raid homes, interrogate believers, and drag them back to Jerusalem. He was feared for good reason. And yet, God’s grace reached him.

There’s a profound truth here: no one is too far gone for God’s love.

The Invitation: Your Turn

Take a few quiet moments today and invite the Holy Spirit to speak to you.

There is someone in your life, perhaps a stranger, a friend, or even someone who has hurt you, who needs to experience the love of God through you.

Ask the Lord how He wants you to show His love:

• A word of encouragement?

• A small gift?

• A listening ear or time spent together?

• A simple act of kindness?

Then, act on it right away. Don’t let fear or doubt rob someone else of the love God wants to show them through you.

Just like Ananias, you may be the vessel God has chosen to carry His love to someone’s doorstep today.

Trust Him and step forward in faith.

A portion of this blog is an excerpt from Leif Hetland’s book, Transformed by Love, download your copy today!