Would You Go?

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 saints 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 carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings an before the people of Israel.” Acts 9:10-15

I can just see Ananias shaking in his sandals! The Lord has just asked him to rescue the zealous enemy of the early Christian church, and Ananias was clearly apprehensive to say the least. I greatly admire this man. He was just an ordinary guy, minding his own business when, out of nowhere, God speaks this rather large request. He may have hesitated a bit, but he did go. It took a lot of courage and faith in God.
I wonder if Ananias realized just how important a job he was about to do. Isn’t it just like humanity to argue with God when approached with this kind of proposition? But you must remember, this was a formidable foe, this Saul. I think I would have tried much harder to get out of the deal! But Ananias was obedient and did as he was told – not even knowing what this all meant to the advancement of the church.
Let me ask, how many of us have our hearts primed to hear God’s voice in the first place? It takes spiritual awareness and practice to know that voice speaking in your spirit. Secondly, how many of us would have gone where He asked us to go, even though it meant possible danger? Are we ready to take on the burden of doing the tough job if we are asked? If we were as in tune with God as Ananias was, and we were as obedient as Ananias, we could change the world.
I would like to think I am among the many Christians with a heart to serve God whenever and wherever. I know that I am still learning to hear his voice and to be obedient. If the work of God is to be done, we must answer “yes Lord.” He will prepare the way and stay with us through it all. Draw courage from the experience you have that tells you God is faithful. Ananias did, and see how incredibly he was used!


Lord, I want to say yes to you. Teach me how to recognize when you are calling me. Thank you for using even the meek and lowly for your glory.