Week 3 - Trust & Obey | Day 18

SCRIPTURE - ACTS 9:10-19

In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength.

OBSERVATION

Before Saul met Jesus on the road to Damascus, he was the most feared persecutor of the early Church. His reputation for threatening, imprisoning, and hunting down followers of Jesus was well known. So when God told Ananias to go to him, it’s no surprise that Ananias was afraid. He wasn’t an apostle like Peter or a leader like Stephen. He was simply described as a disciple living in Damascus, and this moment in Acts 9 is the only time he appears in Scripture. Yet God used his obedience in the face of fear to change the course of the Christian movement.  Saul had been a violent enemy of the Church, but that’s not what Ananias called him. He greeted him with the words “Brother Saul.” He was the first believer to welcome Saul into the family of God and into the new identity Jesus had given him. Through Ananias’ obedience, God restored Saul’s sight, filled him with the Holy Spirit, and prepared him for the ministry ahead. From this moment on, Saul would become Paul, the man who preached the gospel across the world and wrote much of the New Testament.  Despite his fear, Ananias chose to trust that God would protect him and guide him. His obedience created a turning point not only in Paul’s story, but in the story God was writing through His people.

APPLICATION

Ananias was afraid to do what God had called him to do because of what he knew about Saul. But instead of giving in to that fear, he chose to trust that God knew more than he did. Only God knew that Saul had already encountered Jesus. Only God knew that Saul would become a chosen instrument to spread the gospel across the world. The things God calls us to may not feel safe, comfortable, or easy. But like Ananias, we can trust that God sees what we cannot and that His protection goes with us wherever He leads. 

Where might God be calling you to obey Him, even if it feels uncomfortable? How could God use your obedience to impact someone else’s life? Maybe He’s calling you to reach out to someone you’ve avoided, serve someone you struggle to love, or take a step toward healing a broken relationship. God uses everyday people like Ananias to make a difference in ways they never expect, and His purpose for you is greater than you can imagine. All He asks is that we obey Him, even in the face of fear.

PRAYER

Today, ask God to show you who or what He may be calling you toward. Trust that He sees what you cannot and that obedience to Him is always worth it. Pray for the courage to go where He leads, even when it feels uncomfortable at first. 

God, thank you that when I choose to obey you, your protection and guidance go with me. Help me trust you instead of giving in to fear. Use my life to make an impact on the people around me, and give me the courage to do whatever you call me to. Amen. 

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