Acts 9:10-14
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 holy people in Jerusalem.  And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”  NIV

Yes, Lord, you want me to do what?  Rarely does Jesus call us to be safe.  The reputation of Saul had spread through the Church.  They knew he was a dangerous man on the hunt.  Not only did Jesus want Ananias to go to Saul, but to heal him.  Ananias must of have thought better to keep him blind.

Where has Jesus called you to go and you stayed home, played it safe?  Ever thought what might have happened if you went?  Some of you reading this today took the risk, you went where Jesus called.  I have friends who are over 60 serving orphans in Africa and making a difference in the AIDS pandemic.  I have another who heard the voice of Jesus call him to the children of Nicaragua.  God used him along with Food for the Hungry to make a difference in the life of many.  Jesus does not always call you to a distant land.  He more often calls you to minister to a neighbor, a colleague, or friend.   My heart is aching for a family in Beaverton who has no place to go.  The dad has a Ph.D. in physics.  They are one week away from homelessness.  Yesterday, I met with a man on a non-profit board with me to discuss how we can make a difference building low cost housing with sustainability.  Every day I see a picture of an apartment complex on my dream board.  I am asking Jesus to use me to build low cost housing with mentoring programs attached to the residents.  I ask Jesus to please use me to make a difference.  I pray my hands become His hands, that people living in darkness and despair can find light and love.  How has Jesus used you?  How might He use you?

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