Step by Step
Acts 9:5-6 (NASB) And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And He said, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, but get up and enter the city, and it will be told you what you must do.
Have you ever thought about why the Lord didn’t just tell Paul right then and there what he was called to do? The Lord had Paul’s full attention. The glory had blinded Paul. There was a voice from Heaven. They were fully communicating with each other, so why not just share the rest of the story? Why not just give him his assignment? Why use middleman? Why did He send Ananias? When the Lord told Paul to go on to Damascus, this was Paul’s first opportunity to obey. Following the Lord requires obedience. The Word says “Obedience is better than sacrifice,” which had to do with King Saul when he decided to intrude into the Prophet’s office and make a sacrifice that was to be made by the Prophet Samuel. God told King Saul, “I want your full obedience. The sacrifice you made does not mean anything to me.”
You will find that the Lord, often times, requires obedience to His step-by-step guidance. Jesus told the disciples to fill the water pots. That is, “Do that first and then, I will tell you what is next.” March around the walls, then shout. Stand up on your feet, then stretch forth your hand. All these things were instructions that must be obeyed to get the desired result. Being led by the Holy Spirit is a step-by-step process. You can’t skip a step. In our minds, we think, “Just tell Paul while you have his full attention.” The Lord purposely sent him to Damascus and then, the Lord had to get Ananias to obey. I think it is awesome that the Lord used a certain disciple named Ananias instead of an Apostle or Prophet. Then, the Lord had Ananias lay hands on Paul to loose him from the effects of the glory on his eyes; and this is where Paul was water baptized and also baptized with the Holy Ghost. We don’t always know why the Lord does things the way He does, but it is always with purpose. Don’t try to outmaneuver God. Just do what He says when He says it. It is step by step and each step will lead you closer to the glorious results that God has planned for your life.