Miracle on Straight Street

Acts 9:10-16 NIV

In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” 

“Yes, Lord,” he answered. 

The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” 

“Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” 

But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”

I always thought it was interesting that the name of the street was in this passage. It almost seemed comical for God to even mention the name of the street, as if He were a GPS. He could have said, “Go to the house of Judas and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul.” It makes me wonder why the name of this particular street was mentioned in scripture, but other street names throughout the Bible were not. 

Nevertheless, it was used as a geographical landmark in order for Ananias to find Saul. It was the location where a miracle would take place; the very moment in Saul’s life where he would go from persecutor to believer. His sight would be restored physically, but also spiritually. And his ministry to proclaim the good news about Jesus would begin! 

When I think of “Straight Street,” I think of what it stands for; the pivotal moment when Saul found out the truth about Jesus! 

What about us? When was the pivotal moment in our lives when we realized who Jesus was? Which “street” of life were you on when you experienced your miracle? What kind of person were you? And how did God reveal the truth about Jesus to you?

It looks different for each person depending on their background. I grew up always having a knowledge of God, going to church twice a week and being part of events that allowed faith to be exercised outwardly. A relationship with God was something I continuously valued and pursued. 

When I turned fifteen I had a strong urge to be baptized. I knew baptism was my ticket to get into Heaven, and that’s what I wanted! So that’s what I did. The heart to please God and be right with Him was always present in my life. 

Fast forward to the year I turned twenty six. I was growing in my faith that particular year and gaining a more spiritually mature mind. One Sunday morning a group of Christians were having worship service in a member’s home. The man giving the sermon asked everyone this question:

“Do you have peace in your relationship with God?”

In that moment a flood of thoughts came to my mind, and I instantly knew what the answer to that question was.

I did not have peace with God. From the age I was baptized throughout my adolescence and young adulthood, life became challenging in many ways (as life normally is). During those challenges I lived in constant sin, putting my own wants first. Almost every decision I made was not with the intent to grow spiritually and rely on God, but to do what I felt was in my best interests. This unhealthy mindset led to many sins I continued to get caught up in. 

The desire to be right with God was always in my heart, but the repentance was not taken as seriously as it should have been. Sure, I knew I was a sinner. And I knew there were things I needed to improve on. But instead of being cut to the heart like the people were in Acts chapter 2, I didn’t think my sins were that bad.

Cut to the heart… what an intense description! The people in Acts were heartbroken that their sins led Jesus to the cross. This strong feeling of remorse for their sins led them to be baptized so they could make themselves right with God. When I was baptized, I was not cut to the heart about my sins. I did not examine myself and how I needed to change my life. It’s as if I felt like I was already right with God, but still needed my ticket to get into Heaven. The word repent in Hebrew is “shuv,” meaning to turn and go a different direction. I never turned away from sin. In fact, my sins grew more as I grew older.

When I reflect on my past and the choice I made, it can really bring me down. I wish that God stopped me from getting baptized before I was ready. But then I think about Paul and all of the choices he made in his past. God never stopped him from persecuting Christians. Despite all of the harm he caused, God allowed him to take his own path until the right moment came for Him to reveal the truth about Jesus. And in that moment, Paul became God’s chosen instrument to proclaim His name. Think about it for a moment: God used not just any sinner, but someone who Paul himself considers to be the worst because of his mistreatment towards God’s people. But take a look at 1 Timothy and see what else Paul says about himself:

1 Timothy 1:12-17 NIV

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

Paul was overflowing with thanksgiving for God’s mercy and patience. And he understood that God’s plan was to use him to be a powerful example for others! Because of Paul’s extreme transformation, he became a great example to others and brought so much glory to God during his ministry. Paul’s testimony continues to teach us that:

• we are not defined by our past 

• we are forgiven no matter the sin 

• our sin can be used as a teachable moment for others 

  
  

It goes to show no matter who you are, where you come from, or what you’ve done… anyone can be transformed by the amazing mercy and love of God! 

As I was living my life, God had a plan for me too. He knew the exact moment when I would be ready to accept my past and turn in the right direction. I was finally cut to the heart about my sins. And although I am ashamed of my past, my testimony is that much more powerful because I became God’s chosen instrument to proclaim His name! Because of my past, I can use my testimony to reach others who may have shared similar experiences as me. 

Every testimony is significant! Every story is worthy of hearing and learning from. And sometimes the bigger the sin, the bigger the impact. 

Take a moment to reflect on your life, both current and past. And ask yourself the same question: Do you have peace in your relationship with God? If the answer is yes, praise God. If the answer is no, I challenge you to dig deep within yourself. Examine your heart and the choices you have made. 

If you are struggling with deep regret from your life decisions, remember this: God is using your story! Your testimony is important! Everything you have been through or are currently going through can be used to help and encourage others to seek and find Jesus! And that shift in mindset can go from, “Oh woe is me!” to, “Praise be to God!”