The Vision of Ananias: The Creative Power of Imagination

In Neville Goddard’s teachings, the concept of assumption is at the heart of manifestation. By assuming the state of the desired outcome, we bring it into being. This principle is vividly illustrated in the story of Saul’s conversion in Acts 9:10-18. Here, Saul's blindness is not just a physical condition but a powerful metaphor for the limiting beliefs and assumptions that keep us from manifesting our desires. When we apply Neville’s framework to this passage, we can see how the power of assumption leads to transformation, healing, and spiritual awakening.

The Vision of Ananias: The Creative Power of Imagination

"Now there was in Damascus a disciple named Ananias; and the Lord said to him in a vision, ‘Ananias!’ And he said, ‘Here I am, Lord.’ And the Lord said to him, ‘Get up and go to the street which is called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus, named Saul; for, behold, he is praying, and has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him, so that he might receive his sight.’”
— Acts 9:10-12 (BBE)

In Neville’s philosophy, imagination is the creative force of God. Here, Ananias is called upon to act in accordance with the vision he receives. Saul, too, has already seen Ananias in his own vision. This mirrors Neville's teaching that before any manifestation can occur externally, it must first take place within the imagination. The vision is the first step in the creative process—what we hold in our mind and assume as true will eventually be reflected in the world around us.

Overcoming Doubt: The Role of the Reasoning Mind

"But Ananias answered, ‘Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem: and here he has authority from the chief priests to put all that call on your name in prison.’"
— Acts 9:13-14 (BBE)

Ananias represents the reasoning mind—the part of us that often doubts the possibility of our assumptions coming to fruition. He hesitates, questioning how a man known for persecuting Christians could be the one to receive divine healing. Similarly, when we face external evidence that contradicts our desires, we may question whether our assumptions are truly powerful enough to change our reality.

Neville teaches that this is the critical moment when we must push through doubt. Our power lies in the persistence of our assumptions, regardless of the external circumstances. Just as Ananias is eventually convinced to follow through with the divine command, we, too, must persist in our assumptions until they materialise.

The Command: Embrace Your Divine Purpose

"But the Lord said to him, ‘Go your way: for he is a chosen vessel to me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel.’"
— Acts 9:15 (BBE)

The Lord’s command to Ananias highlights the idea that Saul, though once an enemy, has a divine purpose. This is symbolic of the way our assumptions shape our destiny. Neville emphasises that we are each chosen to fulfil a unique purpose, and that purpose is realised by embodying the assumption of the state we wish to manifest.

When we assume the state of having already received our desire, we align ourselves with our divine purpose, just as Saul's purpose to spread the name of Jesus is already set in motion. Our assumptions are the means through which we manifest our highest purpose.

The Restoration of Sight: Manifesting Our Assumptions

"And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto you in the way as you came, has sent me, that you might receive your sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.’"
— Acts 9:17 (BBE)

Ananias’ actions represent the embodiment of the assumption. He doesn’t simply pray for Saul’s healing; he acts as though the healing has already occurred. Neville teaches that in order to manifest a desire, we must not only assume it inwardly but also embody it outwardly. By acting "as if" our desire is already realised, we bring it into our experience.

When we assume the state of being healed, prosperous, or at peace, we become the vessel through which that assumption is manifested. Ananias embodies the healing he has assumed, and Saul receives his sight. Similarly, when we assume the fulfilment of our desires, they manifest as though scales fall from our eyes, revealing the truth of our imagined reality.

The Transformation: Rebirth Through Assumption

"And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptised."
— Acts 9:18 (BBE)

The scales falling from Saul’s eyes symbolise the removal of the mental blocks that prevent us from seeing our desires clearly. Saul’s transformation is a direct result of the assumption being realised. As Neville teaches, the moment we embody our assumptions fully, the world around us shifts to reflect that internal change.

Saul’s baptism represents a rebirth, much like the spiritual rebirth that occurs when we align ourselves with the assumption of our desired state. Just as Saul is baptised and transformed, so are we spiritually reborn when we persist in the assumption that our desires have already been fulfilled.

The Symbolism of the Road Called Straight and the House of Judas

In Acts 9:11, Ananias is instructed to go to the street called Straight, and to the house of Judas. In Neville Goddard’s framework, these places carry deep symbolism:

1. The Road Called Straight: The straight road represents clarity, focus, and the alignment of thoughts and assumptions with the desired outcome. It is a metaphor for the direct path to manifestation—free from doubt, distraction, or confusion. Just as Saul moves from blindness to clarity, we too must walk a straight path of focused assumption, knowing that what we assume is already ours.

2. The House of Judas: The house symbolises the inner state, the mental environment where transformation occurs. Judas represents the old, limiting thoughts that must be transformed. Saul’s healing and his spiritual awakening take place in this house, just as we must address our inner beliefs before our desired outcomes can manifest.

Conclusion: The Power of Assumption in Action

Acts 9:10-18 beautifully illustrates the power of assumption and how it can transform our lives. Saul’s blindness and eventual healing mirror our own mental limitations and the transformative power of assuming the desired state. Just as Ananias acts on the assumption of Saul’s healing, we must embody our assumptions to see them materialise in our lives.

In Neville Goddard’s framework, we learn that the key to manifestation is simple: assume the state of the wish fulfilled and persist in that assumption. The external world will follow.

The transformation of Saul into Paul is a reminder that no matter how far we’ve strayed from our true purpose, we can always assume a new state and manifest a higher version of ourselves. Just as Saul's sight was restored, so too can our visions be cleared when we choose to see with the eyes of imagination.

Key Takeaways:

• Imagination is the creative power that brings your desires into being.

• Assume the state of the wish fulfilled, even in the face of doubt.

• Persistence in assumption is the key to manifestation.

• Transformation occurs when you align with the assumption of your desired state.

Let Saul’s story remind you: the power to transform your life is always within you, and it begins with the assumption of the state you wish to experience.