S) "13 But Ananias answered, 'Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he did 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 bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; 16 for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name’s sake.'"
Acts 9:13-16 (NASB)
O) How much faith and bravery did Ananias have?! He must have been very, very sure he was hearing from the Lord on this one. In fact, we actually see him question God, essentially asking if God is sure on this one, although he never outright doubts what God is telling him. Also, I find it a little interesting that God acquiesces to give him more details, which I'm sure were taken as further assurance for Ananias.
A) I do think God asks for obedience without questioning. He wants me operate in the trust that He has my best interest in mind, as well as working in the submission that I've already laid down, even my life, for service to Him and the work of ministry and spreading the Gospel. Having said all of that, it is apparent, in this passage, that it's okay to express my fear or confusion, as long as I am still willing. I think Ananias was still willing, he was just double-checking. It's almost like he was confirming which Saul God wanted him to go meet. I will determine now, to obey God even in the scariest of missions, knowing that He works all things for my good, as I love Him and am called according to His purpose, because of the promise in Romans 8:28.
P) Father, I want You to entrust me with scary tasks. I know that opens my life up to a lot of faith-stretching, but I want to be found worthy of just such a calling. I want to be bold with my faith and with the calling You place in me. Holy Spirit, speak to me the will of the Father. Even tonight, Lord, I ask that You would speak to me as I sleep, give me a vision, send an angel to deliver Your will - whatever it takes. I want to be found as a willing and able disciple, Lord. Find me and use me, in Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
A) I do think God asks for obedience without questioning. He wants me operate in the trust that He has my best interest in mind, as well as working in the submission that I've already laid down, even my life, for service to Him and the work of ministry and spreading the Gospel. Having said all of that, it is apparent, in this passage, that it's okay to express my fear or confusion, as long as I am still willing. I think Ananias was still willing, he was just double-checking. It's almost like he was confirming which Saul God wanted him to go meet. I will determine now, to obey God even in the scariest of missions, knowing that He works all things for my good, as I love Him and am called according to His purpose, because of the promise in Romans 8:28.
P) Father, I want You to entrust me with scary tasks. I know that opens my life up to a lot of faith-stretching, but I want to be found worthy of just such a calling. I want to be bold with my faith and with the calling You place in me. Holy Spirit, speak to me the will of the Father. Even tonight, Lord, I ask that You would speak to me as I sleep, give me a vision, send an angel to deliver Your will - whatever it takes. I want to be found as a willing and able disciple, Lord. Find me and use me, in Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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