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Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened, he saw no one. They led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. He was without sight for three days, and neither ate nor drank. Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias!" He said, "Behold, it's me, Lord." The Lord said to him, "Arise, and go to the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one named Saul, a man of Tarsus. For behold, he is praying, and in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in, and laying his hands on him, that he might receive his sight." Acts 9:8'12 WEB.

I once lived my life like driftwood floating on the sea. Wherever the waves took me is where I found myself. I had no purpose or really any goals. The Cold War would incinerate us all, but it didn't. Then Y2K was going to start the apocalypse, but it didn't. Jesus was predicted to return at least four times during my life, but He hasn't. Oh yes, I believe He will return, but I have learned to not put a date on it nor listen to those who do.

Ananias of Damascus was a follower of Jesus Christ. While Saul, who was later called by his Roman name Paul, was a Christian hunter. He carried orders from the high priest to arrest the Christians living in Damascus. Then he was struck blind on the road by an intense light.

The Lord Jesus appeared to Ananias in a vision and told him to go and pray for Saul. This had to be an exciting time for Ananias. That took real faith for him to walk up to an arresting officer and say, "Jesus sent me." Ananias' life was different than mine at the time.

Yet, things began to change after I invited Jesus into my life and started praying and fasting. Some doors closed, while other doors opened. I started to see miracles in my life where strangers would offer me things that I secretly needed. I once went upfront to give my small tithe at church and later found that someone had slipped two-hundred-fifty dollars into my Bible. That was more than I made at the time.

Sometimes a gentle prompting would urge me to do something. When I did, a divine encounter would happen. The Lord's plans and purpose began to unfold for me. Life became more fun and exciting than it had ever been before. By giving Him my old life, I found an exciting new one.

"For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, and whoever will lose his life for My sake will find it." (Matthew 16:25). I had found mine, and it was no longer like driftwood. My life now had purpose and meaning.

God has a plan for you as well. You're not meant to be like driftwood floating aimlessly on the waves. If you begin to seek God with all your heart and pray, then He will open doors for you that no man can shut. He will start to put the pieces together, and the best years of your life can be ahead of you.

Ananias lived an exciting life by having a relationship with Jesus Christ. God is still the same today. You can avoid living a life of driftwood by building that daily relationship with Jesus.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I choose You today. Please mold me, guide me, teach me, and help me become the very best version of myself. I want all that You have for me. Lead me into divine encounters today, and make Your presence real in my life. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!

Note: We pray that you all have a joyful and safe New Year's celebration! Also, FAAD group members (Fight Against Anxiety & Depression) today is"Feel Good Friday!". This event is about lifting up each other up! We all have times when we are weak, but together, we can get through it! We invite you to share anything that may have prompted a good feeling in your heart today. Even if you're having a bad day, perhaps look to encouraging scriptures, prayers or thoughts, and testimonies of God's work. Whether you are suffering from anxiety or depression or just want to help, all are welcome to join!: FAAD Group:

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