“Wait, what?... You want me to do what, with who, when…now!?!?” Ananias was dumbfounded when God asked him to go and pray and care for his sworn enemy, Saul. This was the very person Ananias had run to Damascus to get away from because he was persecuting and killing people like Ananias for believing.
Yet, God’s command offered an invitation to create and capture one of history’s greatest moments. What does Ananias’ response teach us about what it means to obey?
When he obeyed, Ananias became confident in recognizing and responding to the voice of God. Because of his commitment to Jesus, he could recognize God’s voice. Because he knew God’s Word, he could stand in a long line of faithful heroes and respond, “Here I am, Lord.” Obedience means making yourself available to God!
Ananias also remembered that Jesus was in the transformation business. We don’t know Ananias' back story, but it’s safe to assume Jesus transformed his life. Because of this, he knew it was possible, against all probability, for God to change the evil Saul. Obedience means believing that God can change anything!
Despite his fear and apprehension, Ananias summoned great courage and did what most of us probably couldn’t (or wouldn’t), yet should do. He faced his enemy, welcomed him to the family of faith, and laid his hands in prayer on the one who had previously wanted to harm him. Obedience allows God to do what He can through you!
This moment changed everything. The one in the wrong became right, bad became good, broken was fixed, and fear became hope. God used Ananias’ faithfulness in one moment to shape history. God spoke, Ananias responded, and the Holy Spirit did what He loves to do.
How could God use you today to bring change?
Acts 9:10-19
Father, help me capture the moments today when I know your Spirit is working through me to change somebody. Please help me to say yes to you, help me see you at work, and help me usher in the changes you want to bring. In Jesus' name, I pray, amen.