Life Lessons From 25 New Testament CharactersSampl

Seizing the Moment of Faith and Obedience Over Fear

Seizing the moments God gives us is essential for the growth of our faith and the growth of His people. Ananias was thrown into Biblical and Church history when he was called by Jesus in a vision to take care of the person he once most feared, Saul. Saul (before he became the Apostle Paul) would have gladly imprisoned, tortured, and even killed Ananias, but on his way to Ananias' city (Damascus), Saul met Jesus. And now, Ananias was being called to care for his enemy! Ananias was fearful and expressed this fear to God after receiving His instructions. The Lord said, "Go!” and Ananias obeyed instead of cowering back in fear. Ananias allowed faith in God’s words to triumph over his own human caution. God calls us to face fear as well and respond in faith and obedience.

THINK and PRAY:

Ananias chose to trust over fear. Faith is what pleases God and keeps us involved with God’s master plan of reaching people with the love of Christ. Fear, on the other hand, threatens to make us retreat and reason our way out of taking steps of faith. Quite often, God asks us to do works that require our dependence on Him. Share the Gospel with a difficult family member. Really, Lord? Give generously to the work of the Lord instead of to our own selfish wants. Really, Lord? Serve others above our own agenda? Really, Lord? There are many things God may ask us to do according to His plan that may seem scary or seem to make no sense. Think of Jonah. Think of Esther. Think of Stephen. The whole Bible is filled with stories of faith in God that go opposite to faith in ourselves or our own way. What has God called you to do that has stretched you beyond your comfort? What has God called you to do that has the fear inside you screaming, “Really, Lord!”? Be like Ananias; choose trust over fear.