And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. (Acts 9:12-14)
God speaks to people in many ways. He could speak through a word of wisdom or word of knowledge from someone else; He could speak through the inner voice of the Holy Spirit or even through an audible voice. Another way God speaks to us and the people in the Bible is through dreams and visions.
Ananias received a vision from the Lord. A vision is a visual image the Lord shares with a person while they are awake. In the vision, God told Ananias to go and see Saul, the enemy of the church, because he was praying. Notice that God didn’t even say to him that Saul had converted. He told Ananias to go.
The task was uncomfortable, to say the least; Ananias didn’t answer with an immediate “Yes, Lord.” Instead, he responded with a reason why he shouldn’t do what God asked. He replied with a legal and physical problem. Saul had the right to arrest Ananias on the spot. He had a right to attack him if he so chose. Yet, Ananias decided to follow God’s instructions in the vision. Ananias’ response shows us the power and importance of obedience. Even when God’s instructions challenge our understanding, perceived safety, or comfort, we must trust and follow His lead.
God wants to speak to you. Are you open to receiving from Him any way He chooses? He wants to talk to you, but you cannot tell Him how or when.
Practical Application
Tell the Lord today that you are open to receiving from Him any way He would like to get you the information you need. Ask for dreams, visions, words, or pulls from the Spirit. Don’t restrict yourself from hearing God speak in only one way.