How does Ananias' willingness to serve challenge our commitment to God's plans? Opening verse “Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, ‘Ananias!’ ‘Here I am, Lord,’ he answered.” (Acts 9:10) Ananias: immediate availability • Ananias was not an apostle, missionary, or church celebrity—just “a disciple.” • At the first sound of the Lord’s voice he replied, “Here I am, Lord,” echoing Samuel (1 Samuel 3:4) and Isaiah (Isaiah 6:8). • His response shows that readiness to serve is a posture cultivated long before a specific assignment arrives. Costly obedience: risk and reward • God commands Ananias to seek out Saul—known for imprisoning believers (Acts 9:13-14). • Human logic said “danger”; faith said “go.” Ananias chose faith. • By laying hands on Saul, he became God’s instrument to launch the future apostle’s ministry (Acts 9:17-18). • Obedience often benefits others far beyond what we can see (Ephesians 3:20). How his example presses on us today • Availability: Are we interruptible? God often speaks into ordinary routines (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Trust over fear: Fear magnifies threats; faith magnifies God (Psalm 118:6). • Submission to God’s bigger picture: We may disciple the next Saul-turned-Paul without realizing it (2 Timothy 2:2). • Respect for direct divine instruction: Scripture is sufficient and clear; when it tells us to act, hesitation is disobedience (James 1:22). Scripture links that reinforce the call • John 14:15 — “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • Romans 12:1 — Present your bodies as living sacrifices, a reasonable act of worship. • Luke 16:10 — Faithfulness in little prepares for faithfulness in much. • Philippians 2:13 — “It is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.” Steps toward the same readiness 1. Start each day with a genuine “Here I am, Lord.” 2. Saturate your mind with Scripture so God’s voice is familiar. 3. Practice small obediences—encouraging a neighbor, giving generously—so larger assignments feel natural. 4. Replace “What if?” questions with “God is able” declarations (2 Corinthians 9:8). 5. Celebrate testimonies of past faithfulness to remind your heart that God’s plans, though sometimes risky, are always good (Jeremiah 29:11). |
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