Saul was one of the official witnesses at the stoning of Stephen. He went everywhere in his attempts to devastate the early church, going from house to house, dragging out both men and women to throw them into jail. Saul was uttering threats with every breath, eager to destroy the Lord’s followers. He went to the high priest, requesting letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He intended to bring them back to Jerusalem in chains. It was on his way there that he met Jesus!
Saul was blinded during his encounter, but the Lord sent a man named Ananias to lay his hands on him so that he could see again. He had heard about the terrible things that Saul had done to the believers in Jerusalem, so you can imagine his hesitancy to pray for him. I would have probably thought the same things as Ananias. “Who is the first person he is going to see when the Lord heals him? ME!” But he ignored the cost and was obedient to the Lord and ministered to Saul.
We must not limit God. He can do anything with anyone. We must obey and follow His leading, even when He leads us to difficult people, places, or circumstances. Look who Saul became because of the obedience of Ananias… the apostle Paul! Think of who you could become, or someone else that you minister to could become, through your obedience. Obey God at any cost!
Acts 9:13 (NLT) - But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem!”