Ananias: Obediance

There it is, the ugly word: Obedience.

If Ananias teaches us anything, it is obedience. We know he is a disciple, a believer and follower of Jesus. We know he questioned God, we know he was called to "go" for God. Ultimately it came down to one choice for Ananias: would he answer God's calling or not?

We know he did and we also know that Ananias' obedience led to the healing and baptism of Saul.

What is it about obedience that is so hard? Why is it so difficult to just do what has been asked of us?

I can give you my long list of personal answers but I want you to answer for yourself. Each of us has our own excuses and justifications for not wanting to be obedient. I know, I know,  our salvation isn't dependent on our "works" and our goodness. Grace is a free gift through our faith. Somehow, someway, there needs to be a response to that gift. Obedience to God is that response. 

I know if God was keeping a list, my column of disobedience would be impressive but I also trust that God dwells on the moments I say "Yes" to Him and the calling on my life. It is in those moments that I call Him "Abba, Father" and I understand that I desire to let Him work through my life. 

Ananias didn't know God's plan for Saul, he saw a murderer of believers. He went anyway. He could have walked into his own death and yet he trusted in God's words to him. Because of Ananias' obedience you and I know the precious life that has been given to us. 

Is God calling you to a place of obedience? What are you afraid of? Will you step out and trust in the plan God sees?

^{Acts 9:10}In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, "Ananias!" 
      "Yes, Lord," he answered.

 ¹¹The 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. ¹²In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight."

 ¹³"Lord," Ananias answered, "I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. ¹⁴And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name."

 ¹⁵But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. ¹⁶I will show him how much he must suffer for my name."

 ¹⁷Then 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." ¹⁸Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, ¹⁹and after taking some food, he regained his strength.

Pray for Bonita E this week. Please reply with prayer and praise for tomorrows devotional. We are also looking for a few people interested in sending us some short devotionals we could add to the mix. Due to circumstances beyond our control, we have missed a few devos.  We do not want to leave any of you without an encouraging Word. If you are interested in helping us out, so that we have devos for the days we just can't write, please email us at womenofworship1@gmail.com. We appreciate all of you so much.