February 11-Unlikely Hero

Scripture Lesson: Acts 9:1-19

Two great shortstops were traded for each other on this date in 1982. The San Diego Padres sent Ozzie Smith to the St. Louis Cardinals for Gary Templeton. Known more for his glove than his bat, the “Wizard of Oz” became the unlikely hero of the 1985 playoffs with the Dodgers when he hit a very unlikely home run to give the Cardinals the series clinching victory.

Today’s Scripture lesson gives us another unlikely hero, a disciple from Damascus named Ananias. Saul encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus on the way to put believers in prison. After meeting Jesus, Saul was blinded and his heart opened. Three days later, God goes to Ananias and sends him to Saul. Not without Ananias reminding God who exactly Saul was, God knew and told Ananias of His plans for Saul. Ananias comes to Saul, calls him brother, and heals his blindness. Saul is filled with the Holy Spirit, is baptized, and begins his God-given ministry to the Gentiles.

1. What has God led you to do that you thought was a little strange? How did it turn out?
2. What does it mean to be open to god’s leading in your life?
3. What can reassure us to step out in faith for God?

God takes ordinary people and gifts them to do extraordinary things for Him.