Will you do whatever God says? No matter what? That was the question that lay before Ananias and it is the question that lays before each of us, every day. Acts 9 tells us of a time when God asked Ananias to be an instrument in the salvation of Saul.
10 There was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias. To him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. Ananias said, “Behold, I am here, Lord.”
11 And the Lord said unto him, “Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight. Enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth.
12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.
13 Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:
14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.”
15 But the Lord said unto him, “Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel.
16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.
17 Ananias went his way, entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, “Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
18 Immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales. He received sight forthwith, arose, and was baptized.
Will You Do Whatever God Says, No Matter What?
Certainly, God did the saving; but He sent Ananias to perform His act of Grace. God does not ask us to always remain within our comfort zone. It wasn’t the case for Ananias, and it is not the case with us either. There are three very important things I feel we must consider here.
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God’s Plan–No matter what
God has a perfect plan that is much bigger than just you or me. Although He is interested in every detail of my life–His love is that big; yet, He also has a wondrous plan to bring salvation to many more.
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God Loves to Share His Glory
Certainly, we know that God did not need Ananias to save Saul, transforming Saul into the Apostle Paul. But He chose to use Ananias. Thereby God shared a piece of His Glory with Ananias. NOT that Ananias had any glory of his own. Rather a part of God’s magnificent Glory is the act of Salvation. He sent His perfect Righteous Son, a part of His very being to die on a cross to pay the price of my sins. He poured forth His wrath for 3 hours upon His Beloved that you and I might become His Beloved Children. Salvation displays God’s Glorious Grace, His Sovereignty, His might, His Justice and His perfect Righteousness. Then, if He chooses to us any part of my life or as here He sent Ananias–He is gifting to me a part of that Glory, though I have none of my own.
So, back to number 1, I become a part of a bigger story. Therefore, I longingly do, whatever God says, knowing that even the sorrow plays a part in a much bigger story. Not only does God use it to sanctify my heart. But He also uses it to bring others to Himself.
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Suffering is a Part of True Faith
Note what God says of Saul. “he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name.
I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.” Here on earth, following Jesus is not always the easiest road; but, it is the only way to God. Following Christ will bring persecution, Saul who became Paul, knew this better than anyone. The persecutor became the persecuted. He had to lay aside everything that he had so cherished. His prestige, power, friends, position all would be cast aside to follow Jesus
Philippians 3:8-10
8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.
Therefore, the question to you is: Will you do whatever God says, no matter what?
[bctt tweet=”Even if it is a cross that lifts me high to bring me closer to my Lord and King, I will rejoice in Him.” username=”effiedarlene”]
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because, He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
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How to Have the Faith to Stand After Failure
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But for God, the Sorrows that Abound
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A Child’s Woeful Cry and God’s Reply
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2019
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.