You Don’t Need a Platform to Make an Impact

Paul’s conversion is so big and so dramatic that it’s easy to miss the other people in the story - especially Ananias. He meets Paul at his lowest moment, when Paul is blind and waiting. Ananias steps into the room to offer healing, baptize him, confirm the calling he heard on the road, and speak into Paul’s life the new reality he is living in: no longer an enemy, but a brother. No longer working for God’s approval, but forgiven and approved in Christ.

Acts 9:10-19

10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” 13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” 17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; 19 and taking food, he was strengthened.

Acts 22:12-26

12 “And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, 13 came to me, and standing by me said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And at that very hour I received my sight and saw him. 14 And he said, ‘The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth; 15 for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard. 16 And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’

Acts 9:1-2

9 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”

Ephesians 2:10

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Romans 10:14-15

14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”

2 Corinthians 5:18-20

18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.

For Adult Homes and Groups

Reread Acts 9:10-19 and 22:12-26, paying particular attention to Ananias and the role God gave him in Saul’s story. As you read, think about the small moments God gives you to impact the lives of people around you.

1. What stands out to you about Ananias? What do you notice about who he was, what God asked him to do, and how he responded?

2. Why do you think Ananias’ seemingly small role was so significant in Saul’s life? What did Ananias bring into that moment that Saul needed?

3. How does a rhythm of meeting with God help you hear and respond to His voice? What rhythms help you create space to listen to Him right now?

4. Where is God already giving you small moments to make an impact on someone’s life? Think about the people where you live, work, learn, and play. How can you be faithful with the moments God gives you this week?

For Families with Kids

1. Read Acts 9:10-19 together. Ananias was just a regular guy following Jesus. How do you think he felt when God told him to go meet someone as scary as Saul?

2. God used Ananias’ hands to heal Saul’s eyes. How can God use your ordinary hands or words to help someone feel better today?

3. Ananias didn’t perform miracles on his own; he showed up and obeyed God. Why is simple obedience the first step to experiencing God doing something extraordinary?

4. Pray the Lord’s Prayer together. The “Ordinary Tool” Challenge: Grab a regular household object, like a pencil, wooden spoon, or towel. Talk about how it can be used to do something extraordinary for God, like writing an encouraging note or serving someone.