Ananias of Damascus (Acts 9:10-17, 22:6-16):

 

9 Mediations on the man we named our 1^st born son after

 

5.Ananias is Honest with God

God tells Ananias in verses 11-12 to go lay hands on Saul of Tarsus and pray for him, that he may regain his sight.  Verse 13-14 is not Ananias’ most glorious moment. As a matter of fact, he seems to think that he needs to remind God of who Saul of Tarsus is.  “’Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.’” So we see here that Ananias is afraid of that which God has called him to do. He responds in what seems to be fear hoping to enlighten God so as to protect him-self.  Oh, how I can identify with Ananias. All too often when God calls me to do something, my first response is hesitation, fear and insecurity. But the reason I highlight this is because of verse 15, “But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.’” The advancement of the Kingdom of God is not predicated upon the initial response of the man/woman God calls, but upon the almighty power, love, mercy, wisdom and patience of The Almighty King of the Kingdom.

Nias,

We serve a God who is slow to anger and quick to love. When you feel insecure and afraid, you can tell Him. He will be patient and give you what you need to persevere. His Kingdom will advance.