Acts chapter 9 verses 10-17 (NIV)
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. ¹⁶ 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.”
Ananias was a true disciple. His obedience to God’s instructions would make a major impact on Saul. ( Soon to become Paul.) The Lord told Ananias to go to Saul in answer to the vision Saul had seen. Of course Ananias had concerns, but he did the right thing. He took his concerns to the Lord. Imagine if he had been disobedient. How would that have impacted on Saul’s new found faith?
If we have doubts or concerns, taking them to the Lord is the best thing for us to do, rather than take matters into our own hands.
The second thing that struck me was how wholeheartedly Ananias had put his concerns aside, and completely given them over to God. When he meets Saul he calls him, “brother Saul”. If he’d had any remaining concern, fear or even a grudge, I’m sure he could not have greeted Saul that way.
That’s how completely God deals with these things when we give them over to him. He changes our whole attitude and behaviour if we are willing to do as He asks.
Dear Lord,
Help me to follow the example of Ananias when I have worries or concerns about someone or something. Help me to bring these issues to you, and to leave them forever at Your feet. Help me then to remember that they are no longer mine to pick up. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.