When God Speaks to You for Someone Else | Blueprint Bible Study Ep. 07 (Acts 9:10–17)

Today’s study focused on the story of Ananias in Acts 9, exploring what it means to truly hear and respond to God’s voice. We began by remembering that spiritual growth is a lifelong journey, regardless of how long we’ve been walking with Christ. The story of Saul’s dramatic encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus set the stage for a deeper look at how God speaks—not just to those who are far from Him, but also to faithful disciples like Ananias. Ananias, whose name means “the Lord is gracious,” was a regular disciple, not an apostle, living in Damascus. God called him by name in a vision, demonstrating that relationship with God enables us to recognize His voice when He speaks.

A key distinction emerged between Saul and Ananias: Saul encountered Jesus as a stranger, while Ananias responded to Jesus as Lord, out of an established relationship. This relationship allowed Ananias to discern God’s voice without dramatic intervention. The more we cultivate our relationship with God, the more naturally we recognize His guidance, even when it comes as a gentle vision rather than a disruptive event.

We also examined the concept of “divine intersection”—how God’s plans are always bigger than our individual stories. God orchestrated a meeting between Saul, the persecutor, and Ananias, the disciple, to accomplish a purpose that neither could fulfill alone. This intersection reminds us that God’s work is never just about us; it’s about community, connection, and the broader movement of His kingdom.

Ananias’ response to God’s assignment was honest—he expressed his fears and concerns about approaching Saul. Unlike Jonah, who ran from God’s call, Ananias engaged in conversation with God, showing that it’s okay to bring our questions and hesitations to the Lord. What matters is that we don’t live in rebellion, but remain open to dialogue and ultimately obedience.

Finally, we were challenged to reflect on the assignments God has given us that may feel difficult or uncomfortable. The call is not to pretend these challenges don’t exist, but to bring them to God in honest conversation, trusting that He will answer and guide us. Growth comes not from avoiding these intersections, but from embracing them, knowing that God’s plans are always for a greater good than we can see.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Relationship Precedes Recognition: Ananias could recognize God’s voice because he had already cultivated a relationship with Him. Spiritual sensitivity is not accidental; it is the fruit of consistent communion with God. When we invest in knowing God, His voice becomes familiar, and His guidance less disruptive and more directional. [14:30]
• 2. God’s Plans Are Bigger Than Us: The intersection of Saul and Ananias’ stories reveals that God’s purposes always extend beyond individual benefit. If our sense of calling or direction never connects us to the blessing or growth of others, we must question whether it truly comes from God. Divine assignments are woven into the fabric of community and the broader mission of God’s kingdom. [22:35]
• 3. It’s Okay to Question, Not to Rebel: Ananias models that it’s acceptable—even healthy—to bring our fears, doubts, and questions to God. God welcomes honest conversation, but rebellion—ignoring or running from God’s voice—stalls our growth and participation in His plan. Dialogue with God is a mark of mature faith, while silent resistance is a sign of spiritual immaturity. [37:54]
• 4. Growth Requires Uncomfortable Intersections: The places where God’s plan intersects with people or situations we would not choose are often the very places where transformation happens. Avoiding these intersections may feel safer, but it robs us of the growth and blessing God intends. Embracing divine intersections, even when they are uncomfortable, is essential for spiritual maturity. [26:04]
• 5. God’s Word Is Never Just for Us: Any interpretation of God’s guidance that centers only on our own benefit is incomplete and potentially dangerous. God’s word and assignments are always meant to flow outward, blessing others and advancing His kingdom. When we find ourselves at the center of every divine plan, it’s time to pause and seek a broader, more Christlike perspective. [32:02]
  ** [32:02]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:28] - Spiritual Growth for All
• [02:56] - Serving the Community in Difficult Times
• [04:09] - Opportunities to Give and Partner
• [05:13] - Opening Prayer
• [06:00] - Saul’s Encounter on the Road to Damascus
• [07:36] - Introduction to Ananias
• [09:34] - Ananias: Disciple in Damascus
• [12:12] - Hearing God’s Voice by Name
• [14:30] - Relationship and Recognizing God’s Voice
• [17:55] - God’s Guidance: Disruption vs. Direction
• [19:53] - Divine Intersection: Saul and Ananias
• [22:35] - God’s Plans Are Bigger Than Us
• [26:04] - Growth Through Uncomfortable Assignments
• [32:02] - The Danger of Siloed Christianity
• [35:37] - Ananias’ Honest Conversation with God
• [37:54] - Questioning vs. Rebelling Against God
• [42:12] - Reflection and Prayer Assignment
• [45:36] - Closing Announcements and Prayer

Bible Reading

Acts 9:10-17 (ESV) — > 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.”

John 10:27 (ESV) — > My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

Observation Questions

1. How does Ananias respond when the Lord calls his name in the vision? What does his answer show about his relationship with God? ([12:57])
2. What specific instructions does God give Ananias regarding Saul? ([08:17])
3. How does Ananias express his concerns to God about Saul, and what is God’s response? ([35:37])
4. According to John 10:27, what is the connection between hearing Jesus’ voice and following Him?

Interpretation Questions

1. What does Ananias’ immediate response, “Yes, Lord,” reveal about the importance of relationship in recognizing God’s voice? ([13:43])
2. Why do you think God chose to use both Saul and Ananias in this “divine intersection” rather than working with each of them separately? ([21:44])
3. How does Ananias’ honest conversation with God differ from Jonah’s response to God’s call, and what does this teach about questioning versus rebelling? ([36:56])
4. The sermon says, “God’s plans are always bigger than us.” How does the story of Ananias and Saul illustrate this truth? ([22:35])

Application Questions

1. The sermon highlights that Ananias recognized God’s voice because of his ongoing relationship with Him. What are some practical ways you can intentionally cultivate your relationship with God this week so that His voice becomes more familiar to you? ([14:30])
2. Think about a time when you sensed God leading you to do something that felt uncomfortable or risky. Did you respond more like Ananias (honest conversation) or like Jonah (avoidance or running)? What would it look like to bring your fears to God in prayer instead of avoiding them? ([36:56])
3. The idea of “divine intersection” means God’s plans often involve connecting us with people we wouldn’t choose ourselves. Is there someone in your life right now whom God might be calling you to reach out to, serve, or reconcile with, even if it feels difficult? ([26:04])
4. The sermon warns against a “siloed” faith that only focuses on our own benefit. In what ways can you make sure your faith and obedience are blessing others and not just yourself? ([32:02])
5. Ananias was honest with God about his fears and questions. What is one assignment, relationship, or situation in your life that you need to have an honest conversation with God about? What would you say to Him? ([41:31])
6. The pastor said, “Whenever you go to God with a question, He will speak to you.” What is one question or area of confusion you want to bring to God this week? How will you make space to listen for His answer? ([44:30])
7. Growth often happens at “uncomfortable intersections.” What is one step you can take this week to embrace a difficult assignment or relationship, trusting that God’s plans are for a greater good than you can see? ([26:04])