“‘Lord,’ Ananias answered, ‘I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.’ But the Lord said to Ananias, ‘Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.’” Acts 9:13-15 NIV
In today’s chapter, we read of the conversion of Saul – from being an outrageous persecutor of the Gospel of Christ to a professor and preacher who was now speaking boldly of it. Just as it is not possible for one type of tool to be used effectively in all projects, it is also not possible for one set individual type to be effectively reaching all others. Though we know this to be true, we tend to be like Ananias, questioning one’s ability, desire, heart, and effectiveness in leading others to Christ based on their past or their appearance.
My wife and I have often come to realize that it is our past that has prepared us for where we are today. The conversion of Saul is a tremendous example of this. May we be reminded that it was the work of the Holy Spirit that called Saul into ministry and it was also the Holy Spirit that prepared him for what lied ahead.
The result? “Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.” Acts 9:31
Lock Your Wings 
That verse also stood out for me:
““But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem!”
Acts of the Apostles 9:13 NLT
We can always make excuses to ignore what God is asking us to do: I’m not a good speaker, I don’t want to, I’m scared. We are not tasked with the outcome of God’s commands…only obedience to them.
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