Obedience Opens the Door

Devotion for Tuesday, July 28

This devotion was written before I left for my sabbatical. Thank you for praying that this season would be marked by times of refreshing in the presence of the Lord.

Acts 9:17

“So Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’”

God often chooses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. Ananias was not one of the apostles or a well-known leader. He was simply a disciple who was willing to obey when God spoke. His faithfulness became the means through which Saul received healing, encouragement, and the filling of the Holy Spirit.

Simple obedience can become someone else’s breakthrough. We often underestimate the significance of a prayer, an encouraging conversation, or a small act of kindness because it seems ordinary. God sees those moments differently. He delights in working through people who are available more than people who are impressive.

Reflection:
Who might God be asking you to encourage, pray for, or reach out to today? Take one intentional step of obedience, even if it feels small, and trust God with the outcome.

Prayer:

Lord, make me available when You call. Give me the courage to obey even when I do not understand everything You are doing. Use my life to bring hope, healing, and encouragement to someone else today, just as You used Ananias to minister to Saul. Amen.