PROFILES —-
ANANIAS
FAITH & OBEDIENCE OVER FEAR
Seizing the moments God gives us is essential for the growth of our faith and the growth of His people. Ananias was thrown into biblical and church history when he was called by Jesus in a vision to take care of the person he most feared—Saul. Before he met Jesus on the road to Ananias’s city (Damascus), Saul would have gladly imprisoned, tortured, and even killed Ananias. And now Ananias was being was called to care for him! He was fearful, and he expressed this fear to God after receiving His instructions. But the Lord said, “Go!” And instead of cowering back in fear, Ananias obeyed. Ananias allowed faith in God’s words to triumph over his own human caution. God also calls us to face fear and to respond to Him in faith and obedience.
THINK & PRAY
REALLY, LORD?
Ananias chose trust over fear. Faith is what pleases God and keeps us involved with His master plan of reaching people with the love of Christ. Fear, on the other hand, threatens to make us retreat and reason our way out of taking steps of faith. Quite often, God asks us to do things that require us to depend on Him: Share the gospel with a difficult family member. Really, Lord? Give in generosity to the work of the Lord instead of our own selfishness. Really, Lord? Serve others above our own agendas. Really, Lord? And there are plenty of other examples of things God might ask us to do that line up with His plan but would be scary or, frankly, not make sense. Think of Jonah. Think of Esther. Think of Stephen. The whole Bible is filled with stories of faith in God that is the opposite of faith in oneself or one’s own way. What has God called you to do that has made your fear scream, Really, Lord? Has He used any steps you’ve taken in faith to grow you or do His work in other people?