Brother Saul - All Our Daily Bread Daily Devotionals for 2025

Bible in a Year: Joshua 1-3, Mark 16

Placing his hands on Saul, [Ananias] said, "Brother Saul, the Lord...has sent me."
Acts 9:17

Today's Scripture & Insight: Acts 9:10-19

"Lord, please send me anywhere but there." That was my prayer as a teenager before embarking on a year as a foreign exchange student. I didn't know where I would be going, but I knew where I didn't want to go. I didn't speak that country's language, and my mind was filled with prejudices against its customs and people. So I asked God to send me elsewhere.

But God in His infinite wisdom sent me precisely where I asked not to go. I'm so glad He did! Forty years later, I still have dear friends in that land. When I got married, my best man Stefan came from there. When he got married, I flew there to return the favor. And we're planning another visit soon.

Beautiful things happen when God causes a change of heart! Such a transformation is illustrated by just two words: "Brother Saul" (Acts 9:17).

Those words were from Ananias, a believer God called to heal Saul's sight immediately after his conversion (vv. 10-12). Ananias resisted at first because of Saul's violent past, praying: "I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people" (v. 13).

But Ananias was obedient and went. And because he had a change of heart, Ananias gained a new brother in faith, Saul became known as Paul, and the good news of Jesus spread with power. True change is always possible through Him!

By: James Banks

Reflect & Pray
How have you sensed God calling you to have a change of heart? How can you encourage a new believer today?

Jesus, thank You for changing my heart with Your love. Help me to extend it to others.