Devotion: Reforming our Walk
The Lord said to Ananias, “Inquire in the house of Judas for a man of Tarsus named Saul; for behold, he is praying.” … But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to thy saints at Jerusalem.”… But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine.” (Acts 9:10-15)
If ever there was a man who needed reformation, it was Saul of Tarsus. His zeal for persecuting Christians and sending them to their deaths was well-known. He seemed an unlikely candidate to be God’s instrument. Clearly Ananias thought so. Saul needed to do completely turn his life around to serve God. And Ananias needed to adjust his thinking.
We are also called to reformation, to reform our lives, to become more like Christ. God got Saul’s attention in a dramatic fashion by striking him blind. We are more likely to experience God’s call in subtle ways: a vague awareness that our job isn’t a good fit for our talents, boredom about our usual weekend plans, discontent in a relationship.
We can learn from Saul. After he was blinded, he prayed. God heard and sent Ananias to him. Ananias shared the good news with Saul, baptized him, and with God’s help set him on his way as a changed man – Paul, who would become a great Apostle for God.
We, too, need to pray for reformation and for help in changing our lives. Just as God sent Ananias to Saul, He will send others to help us. Again, that help may present itself in subtle ways: an invitation from a friend to volunteer together on Saturday or to meet for coffee to catch up with each other’s lives. And we may be called to “be Ananias” for others, such as when we have a deep sense that we should call a friend who’s grown distant or offer friendship to someone we don’t much like. We obey and serve God when we cooperate in the changes He is calling us and others to make.
Gracious God, help us hear your call to reformation and cooperate in your plans. Amen.
This devotion is written by Cheryl Stubbendieck.
If you would like to serve as a member of the Sheridan Lutheran Writing Team and help to write devotions based on the text for the weekend, contact Amy Wagner.
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