SATURDAY November 25, 2023

Knowing God’s Will

“Then a certain Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good testimony with all the Jews who dwelt there, came to me; and he stood and said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And at that same hour I looked up at him. Then he said, ‘The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth. For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’ ”
Acts 22:12-16

Paul had been saved from the midst of an angry riot. Romans were now in control, and the commander had allowed Paul to speak to the crowd. While safe in Roman custody, Paul recounted his dramatic conversion in Hebrew, because he wanted to minister to the Jews.

Paul spoke of his encounter with the Lord that had left him blind. Ananias was sent to go pray for him so he could receive his sight; but before he obeyed the Lord, he questioned, “Wait a minute, Lord. This man was killing Christians, and you want me to lay my hands on him and pray so he can see?” The Lord confirmed His will to Ananias by revealing to him that Saul (now known as Paul) was a chosen vessel to bear His name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel (Acts 9:15).

Think about it. Ananias was an ordinary disciple, just like you and me, but God chose him for this one important occasion. Ananias prayed, and Saul received his sight. At this time, he also received the knowledge of God’s will. However, Saul now known as Paul, did not start his ministry right away. He first spent time alone with the Lord in the desert of Arabia to be retrained from the legalism of the Law and to learn about the grace of God (Galatians 1:15-18).

At Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, after attending the Shepherd School, in an after-glow service the men laid hands on a group of 12 of us, and a prophecy was given to me––Isaiah 42:5-9. The Lord was going to use my life. He would send me all over the world to preach God’s Word. He would do a new work. I did not understand at that time all God had for me, but I know He began to fulfill His will for my life as I obeyed His call.

In all things seek to know God’s Will and when known obey at any cost.
~Jonathan Goforth~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!