The book of Acts chapter 9 is a powerful example of surrendering to God’s agenda and becoming part of His glorious plan. We come across Saul who, after an encounter with Jesus Christ while on his way to Damascus to persecute Christians, yields to our Lord and stops His actions. There is also Ananias who obeyed God’s command to minister to Saul, restore Saul’s sight and fill him with the Holy Spirit despite his reservations.
There is also the story of Barnabas who took it upon himself to vouch for Saul and bring him to the apostles so he could officially be part of the family of believers despite their fears about his past. All of this culminates in verse 31 of the same chapter where the church multiplies, grows in the Word and experiences rest and peace. In chapter 10, the apostle Peter – without resistance – is then led by the Holy Spirit to open the doors of the church to the Gentiles (non-Jewish people.)
An integral part of observing and doing is being willing to be a part of what God wants to do. We find out what God wants to do through the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit comes through salvation. Are you willing to be a part of God’s plan? Try it. The results are clear to see in Acts 9:31. They include peace, spiritual growth (which is always closely followed by material growth), an increased knowledge of Jesus, the comfort and presence of the Holy Spirit and physical increase and multiplication.
That Christian Next Door 