None of us are immune to fear. It shows up in the most unexpected ways and at the most unexpected times. Perhaps, we are asked a question that we don’t know the answer. Perhaps, we are asked to do a job we feel we don’t have the skill set to accomplish the task. Often, it is the latter that causes my heart to tremble. God seems to always be asking me to serve Him in a way that I feel I am just so inadequate to do so. But, God never makes a mistake. He equips, sustains and leads those He calls.
Clearly, I am not alone in this feeling of being inadequate to serve God in the way that He asks. Ananias was asked of the Lord to go to Saul of Tarsus and heal him of his blindness through the power of Jesus. Ananias was very afraid because Saul of Tarsus had the authority to bind all that called up on the name of Jesus. In addition, Ananias knew of all the evil things that Saul had done unto the saints at Jerusalem. I can’t even imagine how terrified Ananias must have been to approach Saul and heal his blindness by the power given him by Jesus.
Despite the fear of physical harm, and no doubt the fear of being asked to do such a daunting task, Ananias went and did as Jesus had asked. There is so much to learn from this passage in Acts 9:1-16. First, I am struck by the fact that Ananias did what he was told despite his fear. But, I am also encouraged that Ananias felt free to express his fear to Jesus. He told Him what he was thinking. So, often we feel as if we must bear our burdens alone, especially those that might be lacking faith. When in fact, we do not have to bear our burdens alone. We show our faith by bringing our doubts, our fears as well as our hopes and dreams to Jesus. When we pray confessing our sins, failures and doubts while revealing our desires and intents, God hears those prayers and gives us exactly what we need when we need it. Multiple times in the scripture, we see others asking God for clarification. This isn’t questioning God’s guidance or providential care. It is getting clarification and complete understanding. Ananias shows us we can ask for understanding when our heart is full of faith in Jesus and His power. Notice, Ananias did not question whether he could heal Saul by the power of Jesus. He was questioning how he could get it done in the threat of danger. And as always, Jesus protects His servant, Ananias. Service to the King is always under the watchful eye of the King!
Prayer: Lord give me the faith to walk in the courage of following you even when I am afraid. Teach me to trust you in all situations. Thank you, Lord, for being willing to listen to my concerns and to give me the peace I need to carry on. Thank you for equipping me, sustaining me and leading me.
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7).