Acts 9:10-18

Many of us shudder to think of our previous reputations.  What did people think of us way back when; before we came to know Jesus and enjoy a personal relationship with Him?  As we can tell from the words of Ananias below, following Jesus' instructions to go to a man from Tarsus named Saul, was a scary thought.  It would seem Saul's reputation preceded him.


“Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem." (Acts 9:13)




The lesson here for me is that regardless of Ananias' fears and worries about going to see the persecutor of Christians, Ananias believed in Jesus and obeyed.  I must not allow my troubles to over power my ability to trust and obey Jesus' will for me and my life.

Ananias was told he would find Saul (Paul) praying.  We too find Paul praying in much of the reading we do of Paul and his life.  Prayer was the constant and the source of his strength.  Read Acts 16:25, 20:36, 22:17.  Prayer changes people; prayer changes circumstances; prayer changes lives and hearts.

"Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 10:17)

Paul's reputation soon changed as he began to live for Christ, as he shared the love of Jesus with everyone he met.  Our reputations can change too, once we repent of our ways and make some changes. Prayer is a way to begin the change.

Read the text here.  Listen to an audio recording here.