See What You’re Missing | Part 6: Beyond The Before And After

SAY YES — TO GOD’S PERSONAL

Acts 9:10–11 (NLT)

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.”

Acts 9:13–14 (NLT)

“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.”

ANANIAS SEES — A DANGEROUS MAN

JESUS SEES — HIS CHOSEN INSTRUMENT

Acts 9:17 (NLT)

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.”

• Taking the first step
• Speaking a word of inclusion
• Reaching out with a caring touch

HELP OTHERS MAKE — GROWING

Acts 9:26–27 (NIV)

When [Saul] came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. ²⁷ BUT BARNABAS took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.

USE THE CONNECTIONS YOU HAVE —

TO HELP OTHERS MAKE THE CONNECTIONS THEY NEED

Who helped you — make some of your most important growing connections?

Who are you helping — make theirs?

MAKE ROOM — FOR OTHERS’ NEEDED

Acts 11:23–24 (NLT)

When [Barnabas] arrived and saw this evidence of God’s blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. 24 Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord.

Acts 11:25–26 (NLT)

Then Barnabas went on to Tarsus to look for Saul. ²⁶ When he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. Both of them stayed there with the church for a full year, teaching large crowds of people.

1 Corinthians 12:7 (NLT)

A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.

Recognizing — what God has given them

Encouraging — them to put their gifts to work

Stepping aside — so someone else can step up

ONE OF THE GREATEST GIFTS WE CAN GIVE —

MAKING ROOM FOR THE GIFTS GOD HAS GIVEN OTHERS

WHO IS GOD ASKING ME — TO HELP GROW AND BECOME?

God — who do you want me to see — that I’m missing? And what part do you want me to play — in helping them grow and become?