Prayer & Purpose

In Acts 9, an intriguing story is told of the conversion of a man named Saul, from a pious religious zealot, hellbent on completely destroying the fledging band of Jesus followers, to one of the most prolific authors, evangelists and defenders of the same faith the world has ever known. On the way to fulfill what he thought was his God-given purpose (destroying these Christians), Jesus appeared to Saul in a bright light that struck him to the ground, leaving him in a state mirroring his spiritual condition – blind.  The Bible says that for three days he could not see and ate nothing.  As I read his story, I couldn’t help but wonder, “What was he doing for those three days?” It wasn’t long before I discovered the profound answer, which shook me to my core!

Acts 9:11 says that God spoke to a disciple named Ananias and told him to go to a house on a particular street and ask for a man named Saul.  What blew my mind is what God told Ananias was the reason for this most unexpected mission.  God said he was sending him because, “he is praying.” Wow!  Then it hit me.  Saul had no idea that ANYTHING was happening on his behalf.  All he knew was that everything he thought was true about his religious beliefs were categorically false.

Now, his purpose for living was unclear at best.  I can only imagine his utter confusion!  His entire mission in life, his purpose for God, had been dramatically upended.  Jesus WAS alive and WAS the Messiah!  Now, he was left in the dark, literally blind and confused.  But that’s when something miraculous happened. While still in the midst of utter confusion, he started praying and without him knowing, God started moving and preparing for his healing.  His prayers were making all the difference and he didn’t even know it!

Right now, you may be going through a similar situation like Paul.  Life isn’t turning out the way you’d hoped.  You’re confused about your purpose.  What you were banking on no way resembles the outcome. Things you thought true have turned out to be false.  You thought you were on the right path, but life’s events have made it clear that was a presumption that has now left you confused about your purpose.  You feel like life or even God Himself has knocked you down to the ground and now you’re left here in the dark…fighting to see the light.  If this describes you, buckle your seatbelt and feel the power of God’s word in this story surging through you.

When we are left all alone and in the darkness of our confusion, our prayers DO move the hand of God, especially when we THINK nothing is happening!  God said to Ananias it is BECAUSE Saul is praying that I am sending you to heal his eyes!

Are you in need of healing?  Pray!  Are you in the dark?  Pray!  Are you longing for some bit of light?  Pray!  Are you desperate to hear the voice of God again or perhaps for the first time?  Pray!  Are you in search for your purpose for living?  Pray and know that AS you are praying, God is moving and preparing your healing!  In fact, your healing IS on the way!  Expect it!

Saul’s healing showed up because he started praying.  It took some time, but he kept praying.  It didn’t happen right away, but he kept praying.  He didn’t even know if God was listening, but he kept praying and three days later his healing showed up, knocking at his door because he was praying.  AND it was better than he expected!  God’s answers usually are!  His solution to our problems, His response to our pain, His purpose for our lives is always better than what we could have imagined! Our dilemma was sin; He responded with grace. We lost fellowship with Him; He responded by becoming one of us and giving us the companionship of His Spirit. We had a wound that no one could cure; He allowed Himself to be pierced in His side, cut to the core of His soul, whipped on our behalf, and with His stripes we are now healed!  We suffered the curse of death; He gave us life by dying on a cross so one day we won’t ever have to again. We lost the garden; through His righteousness He gives us Heaven! He is both the root and the offspring of David (Revelation 22:16).  Yes!  Keep praying!

If you’re facing a wall between you and your purpose for living, pray.  Your healing…your light…your revelation of purpose and pathway through is on the way!