Pastor Randy Furushima
August 5, 2012 - W1232

People always ask me, “How do I know when God speaks to me?” We must develop a discerning ear. This is important because all of us face challenges and need to hear God at these times. When in grief, God speaks to us. Our heart has to be open Him.

Today’s message will be about Saul and Ananias because they have a lot to teach us.

When I started ministry in my 20’s, I worked with an older pastor, Mitch Oyakawa. He indeed taught me a lot about ministry.  One day he said, “Let’s swim to Chinaman’s Hat island. Now, I grew up swimming but that island was quite distance away from shore. So I was hesitant before agreeing. Mitch swam his backstroke easily and very quickly outdistanced the much younger and much embarrassed me. But as I struggled mightily, it dawned on me who Mitch really was! He was the brother and former swimming partner to Yoshi Oyakawa – an Olympic Gold medalist in swimming! When I finally and exhaustedly made it to the island, Mitch had already finished exploring it and was ready to swim back!  Later I found out that sharks swam those waters, too!

I wish Mitch had told me all this before we swam! The difference is when God speaks to us; He will give us wisdom to know what to do. We cannot always trust what people tell us but we always can trust God. So we need to develop a discerning ear.

The Bible says, "Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?'”

It should be noted that Jesus did not ask Saul why he persecuted Jesus’ followers but why he persecuted Jesus himself. This indicates that Jesus was taking the relationship personally.

The Bible continues, “'Who are You, Lord?' Saul asked. 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' He replied. 'Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.' The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.”

God wants us to take the next step even if we do not fully understand. Saul was blind and it was humiliating for Saul to be led by the hand by a stranger. Jesus did not even heal Saul immediately. Sometimes we also have the heart of impatience when waiting for God. But we should have faith that God is using that time to prepare us or something for us.

The story continues, “In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, 'Ananias!' 'Yes, Lord,' he answered. 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. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.'

'Lord,' Ananias answered, 'I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to Your people in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on Your name.' But the Lord said to Ananias, 'Go! This man is My chosen instrument to proclaim My name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for My name.'

Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, 'Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.' Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength." (Acts 9:1-19a)

Ananias was excited and eager to do as the Lord wanted but became reluctant when God revealed that the man to be healed was the enemy Saul. The Lord told Ananias to heal Saul. Ananias had a choice. Sometimes when G asks us to do something, we hesitate and say, “maybe not now …” But Ananias chose to follow the Lord completely. He even went as far as addressing Saul as “Brother”.

It is important though, that we belong to a good Bible study group so that we can learn what God is saying rather than simply being misled by anyone who claims to know what God wants us to do.

 
Three Principles to Apply When Listening to God

"In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom also He made the universe." (Hebrews 1:1-2)

1. God uses QUESTIONS to bring focus and direction.

As the Bible says, "He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?' 'Who are You, Lord?' Saul asked." (Acts 9:4-5) Questions help us to understand God and ourselves.

2. Ask God for CLARITY first, and COURAGE second.
   "'Lord,' Ananias answered, 'I have heard many reports . . .' The Lord told him, 'Go! . . .' Then Ananias went . . ." (Acts 9:13-17) We can ask God for clarity on what to do but then we should do it even if we are afraid. Mother Teresa once told someone that she would not pray for clarity for him because he already knew what he should do. But she would pray for courage so that he would do what he knew he should.
3. God speaks for these reasons:
• So people can SEE.

God gave Saul a new identity and purpose. He wanted Saul to see a new way spiritually. He wants us to see our new purpose. What is it that God wants you to see in your life?

• So people can be SAVED.

Saul had to be saved from his past. All of us have to be saved from our past.

• So people can receive STRENGTH.
  "Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength." (Acts 9:18-19)

We will need strength follow God and do what he wants us to do.

Study Suggestions

1. Why does God use questions?

2. What should we ask God for?

3. What are the 3 reasons God speaks?

4. How do we know when God is speaking to us?

5. Why doesn’t God answer our prayers immediately?