Unstoppable! 'Called Beyond Fear' — Acts 9:10-14

Sunday, May 11, 2025

Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, "Ananias!"

"Yes, Lord!" he replied.

The Lord said, "Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again."

"But Lord," exclaimed Ananias, "I've heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name."

— Acts 9:10-14 NLT

Key Thought

I am amazed that Ananias obeyed the Lord's directive to share the message of Jesus with Saul of Tarsus, the persecutor of Jesus' followers. Ananias had the right attitude: "'Yes, Lord!' he replied." Despite his objections but after some reassurance from the Lord, he "went and found Saul" (Acts 9:17). Still, I cannot imagine the courage he mustered. Then, he displayed grace to the man who had come to arrest and persecute disciples in Damascus, including him. Ananias showed that I must have the courage to go when Jesus calls me, regardless of the circumstances. His obedience challenges me to live my life obediently in response to the Lord's call.

Today's Prayer

O Lord, I believe, but help my unbelief. I recognize that courage is doing what you ask me to do even when I am uncertain or afraid. Thank you for Ananias' example of faith and courage in the face of danger. Please strengthen my resolve as I step forward to follow your call. I need your Spirit to strengthen, equip, and empower me. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

4 Related Resources by Heartlight

Spurgeon AM Devo for Nov. 3rd
Devo: Morning & Evening
"Prayers are instantly noticed in heaven. The moment Saul began to pray the Lord heard him. Here is comfort for the distressed but praying soul...."
A Servant Who Changes Everything
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Child of God, A large part of the history of faith is written by people who are not considered the greatest servants of faith. However, the..."
Nothing Significant?
Article by Phil Ware
So why do we discount what the Lord does through us? Phil Ware reminds us that nothing we do in the Lord's name is insignificant, unimportant, or forgotten by God who loves us and remembers and rewards us for what we do.
Risk-taking & Faith-filled
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Beloved, What is the greatest obstacle that you face? What seemingly insurmountable forces are at work against you? Keep these two questions....."

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 9:10-14 NLT — Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, "Ananias!" "Yes, Lord!" he replied. The Lord said, "Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again." "But Lord," exclaimed Ananias, "I've heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, May 11, 2025

Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'In a High and Holy Place' (Is. 57:15)
"The high and lofty one who lives in eternity, the Holy One, says this: "I live in the high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Colossians 3:17
"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'The Emotional Truth' (Mt. 27:27-31)
"Some of the governor's soldiers took Jesus into their headquarters and called out the entire regiment. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'When Is Worship A Lie?'
"Dear Disciple, I love all people. That's why I came. At the same time, I have to tell you something — and yes, I'm sorry to have to do this..."

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More Unstoppable!