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The cost of being a “chosen instrument.”

Scripture reading for April 24th:  1st Samuel 11-13, Psalm 38, Acts 9

Key Scriptures:  Acts 9:13-16  “But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem.  And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your Name.”   But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine to carry My Name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.  For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of My Name.”  

Saul had been thrown from his horse as he went to Damascus to persecute and arrest God’s people.  He was struck blind by the light of Jesus Christ, appearing to him in glory.  Ananias was an obedient disciple chosen by God to go lay hands on him to receive back his sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.  Ananias had heard about Saul and his destructive ways but went as instructed by God.  Saul was God’s chosen instrument to take the Gospel to the Gentiles and kings as well as the Israelites.

Faith confession and prayer:  Lord, thank You for Your “chosen instruments.”  Thank You for choosing me for salvation and to suffer for Your great Name.  Keep me from turning aside from Your purposes and empower me to fulfill Your plans.

1st Samuel 12:21-22 “And do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver, for they are empty.  For the Lord will not forsake His people, for His great Name’s sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you a people for Himself.”  

Psalm 38:15 “But for You, O Lord, do I wait; it is you, O Lord my God, Who will answer.”