Pray for America - Day 14

And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. 
–Jeremiah 29:13CloseJeremiah 29:13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt)

DAY 14: "God's Messengers"

When you were faced with a serious illness, did someone pray with you? How about before you boarded a plane, or maybe took an exam, or made a presentation at work? Did someone pray with you? How many times has someone said to you in passing, “I’ll pray for you,” and then you wondered if they were really going to take the time?

For three days after being struck blind on the road to Damascus, Saul prayed to God and neither ate nor drank. God spoke to Saul in a vision and told him that a man would be coming to lay hands on him to restore his sight. God also spoke to Ananias and told him he would be His messenger to minister to the physical and spiritual needs of Saul. Out of obedience, Ananias went to Saul and laid hands on him. Immediately his sight was restored and he was filled with the Holy Spirit and baptized (Acts 9:1-19CloseActs 9:1-19 Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord's followers.* So he went to the high priest. He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains. As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?" "Who are you, lord?" Saul asked.  And the voice replied, "I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." The men with Saul stood speechless, for they heard the sound of someone's voice but saw no one! Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes he was blind. So his companions led him by the hand to Damascus. He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink. Now there was a believer* in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, "Ananias!"  "Yes, Lord!" he replied. The Lord said, "Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again." "But Lord," exclaimed Ananias, "I've heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers* in Jerusalem! And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name." But the Lord said, "Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name's sake." So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." Instantly something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength.Saul in Damascus and JerusalemSaul stayed with the believers* in Damascus for a few days. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ). God had worked in the lives of two men—one in need of a miracle, and the other ready to follow God’s call to minister.

All across America there are people praying for miracles (for healing, family needs, finances, jobs, etc.), and there are just as many who can be God’s messengers to deliver prayers of faith. The key is for all to be actively seeking Him. Whether we’re in need of a touch from God, or are being used by God as His messengers of hope, we place our trust in Him to schedule our divine appointments.

PLEDGE TO PRAY