RIGHT NOW there are two portions of Scripture that are challenging me: Acts 9 and 10. These chapters reveal the wonderful way Jesus brought Saul of Tarsus and Ananias, and Cornelius and Peter, together. It happened through their knowing the voice of God – and their obedience to it.

In the first example we read of Saul and Ananias, Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias, and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias!” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight (Acts 9:10-12, NKJV).

Consider what happened there. A brand new Christian convert has just “connected” to the voice of Jesus, and immediately he is receiving specific revelation and information as to what he is to do, and what is going to happen. In a vision Saul is told a disciple called Ananias is coming to minister to him. In another part of Damascus, Ananias was also receiving revelation and information to go to minister to Saul of Tarsus! Ananias was even instructed how and where to find him! When both men were obedient to the voice of the Lord, a divine encounter took place.

In Acts 10 we read of a Gentle by the name of Cornelius. During a time of prayer he saw clearly in a vision, an angel of God coming in and saying to him, “Cornelius!” And when he observed (“to fix the eyes intently upon, gaze upon intently”), he was afraid . . . Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter . . . He will tell you what you must do.

Cornelius immediately obeyed what he had been instructed.

At Joppa, while the Apostle Peter was waiting for his meal, he fell into a trance and saw heaven opened. Three times he saw a net let down from heaven – yet he interpreted the vision wrongly. While he was thinking about what he had seen in the vision, the Holy Spirit said to him, Behold, three men are seeking you. Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing, for I have sent them (v.1-20). Then Peter obeyed.  

In both examples God gave the very names of the people who held the keys/answers to their next move. The Holy Spirit gave specific instructions for them to obey, and when they did, it led to a supernatural happening that has resulted in multiplied millions of lives being impacted by God. Saul went on to become the great Apostle Paul. To this day his life, example and ministry continues to inspire and teach Christians worldwide. Peter’s obedience in going to Cornelius’ house brought about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles. That outpouring continues today. You and I have been impacted  (more than we realize) through Paul’s, and Peter’s, obedience to God.

As we look at both illustrations, it was the new convert (Saul) and the Gentile believer (Cornelius) who demonstrated a keener response to the voice of God than did the more mature Ananias and Peter! They initially tended to doubt what they had heard. Don’t let that happen to you.

God wants us to experience these supernatural experiences too. It demands from us a willingness to practically respond to the voice of God in obedience. We have to cultivate knowing the voice of God so we can quickly obey. We must conquer our doubts about His voice, so we can experience more of this kind of ministry. This leads me to a question: “Can God so trust us to obey what He tells us, that He can give others your name and tell them you are coming?” Saul knew Ananias (not someone else) was coming, and Cornelius knew he had to get Simon Peter. Simon Peter knew he had to go with the three men, doubting nothing. This is prophetic ministry operating to the glory of God, and the extension of His Kingdom. When Christians are committed to obeying whatever Jesus tells us, we are on our way to the supernatural journey of a lifetime! Are you willing? Will you obey Jesus? Will you obey Him consistently enough He can give your name to those He is sending you to? This is what New Testament Christianity is all about. God bless you!  – Rodney W. Francis.

Bible  Readings:  1 Samuel 9 & 10; Acts 9 & 10.  

Please Pray This Prayer:

“Dear Lord, help me to stop doubting Your voice, and to be more responsive to You. Deliver me from any apathy and resistance that is in me to step out on what You say. Please continue to challenge me to ‘get it right’ with what I hear, so You can trust me to give my name to others, that I am coming. Help me to learn more of the joy of obeying You. In Jesus’ name I pray this, Amen.”