Turned to the Lord

 Ananias started it off.  He was cautious, but the Lord had told him to

 "Rise and go ..." 

So he went to the newly converted Saul of Tarsus, layed hands on him and Saul received his sight.

Saul received his sight both spiritually and physically, regaining sight and insight on both fronts.  He was baptized and promptly began preaching, proclaiming Jesus is the Son of God.

It is of importance here to see just how far-reaching our actions can be.  From Ananias' obedience, to Saul of Tarsus' humble conversion, we then get Barnabas' bravery in bringing Saul to the apostles.  This encouragement towards Saul and the vindication from the apostles, spearheaded Saul's (who became Paul) work among the Gentiles, even as the Lord had explained to Ananias.

"The church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria" now experienced, "peace and was being built up" (vs 31).

What's more, they were seen to be 

"walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit."

And we can't forget the last bit, the church

"multiplied."

Switching over to Peter, we see what he was up to while Paul was sent off to Caesarea and on to Tarsus.  He healed Aeneas.  The results were not to 'worship' Peter nor put him upon a pedestal.  NO.  We read instead,

"And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him [the healed man's] miracle ..."

Pay attention to what they did ...

" ... they turned to the Lord" (vs 35).

Are our actions turning people to the Lord?  I ask myself this too because I'm not so sure of myself. 

Tabitha Dorcas was a woman

 "full of good works and acts of charity."  

She did so much good the people appreciated and loved her.  When she died, they were heartbroken.  They called for Peter.

I find it interesting that Peter did similary to what Jesus had done at times when healing.  He put everyone out.  He did not need an audience.  He went to the core of what was needed.  Quiet.  No audience.  He knelt and prayed.  Then he spoke. 

 "Tabitha, arise." 

 He 

"presented her alive" 

to her people.

The best result should be noted from all this.  It was that,

"Many believed in the Lord" (vs 43)!

Again, we can ask ourselve, "Does what I do turn others to belief in the Lord?"

Let's pray that we live a life of such integrity and steadfast faith in the Lord that our actions and life reflect Jesus to others.  In so doing, pray that we do turn others to the Lord.  It can be a lifelong prayer that sees fruition.

So be it, Father God.  Amen.

                                             ~ERC  February 2026 ~

Based on Acts 9 ESV.

Sing, What You Are, along with Selah Praise Music, and Must I Go Empty Handed, along with Risen Lord.