How does Acts 9:11 demonstrate God's guidance in our daily decisions? \Text for Today\ “Get up!” the Lord told him. “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying.” (Acts 9:11) \What We See in This Verse\ - Clear directive: “Get up…Go…ask.” - Specific location: “the house of Judas on Straight Street.” - Named individual: “a man from Tarsus named Saul.” - Insight into Saul’s present activity: “for he is praying.” - Spoken by the risen Christ to a willing disciple, Ananias. \How the Verse Illustrates God’s Guidance\ - Precision—God names the street, the house, and the man. - Personalization—guidance fits both Ananias’s role and Saul’s need. - Prayer connection—God responds to Saul’s prayers by directing Ananias. - Purpose alignment—Ananias’s obedience advances God’s larger plan for the church. - Reassurance—detail calms Ananias’s fears about approaching a former persecutor. \Practical Takeaways for Daily Decisions\ - Expect clarity • Psalm 32:8: “I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you.” - Lean on Scripture and Spirit • Proverbs 3:5-6: acknowledge Him and “He will make your paths straight.” • John 16:13: the Spirit “will guide you into all truth.” - Recognize God’s foreknowledge • He sees our situation ahead of time (cf. Matthew 6:8). - Obey promptly • Ananias acts at once (Acts 9:17); delayed obedience clouds guidance. - Value ordinary details • Street names, schedules, calendars are all tools in God’s hand (Colossians 3:17). - Embrace mission-minded choices • God’s directions often bless others as well as us (Philippians 2:4). \Cultivating Sensitivity to God’s Directions\ 1. Stay prayerful—like Saul, be found “praying.” 2. Immerse in Scripture—Psalm 119:105: His word is “a lamp to my feet.” 3. Listen for the Spirit—Romans 8:14: “led by the Spirit of God.” 4. Seek godly counsel—Proverbs 15:22. 5. Act on the light you have—John 7:17: obedience brings fuller understanding. \Summary\ Acts 9:11 reveals a God who guides with pinpoint accuracy, tailoring instructions to real people in real places. He still knows our “Straight Street,” hears our prayers, and invites us to trust and obey so His purposes unfold through the everyday choices before us. |
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