Stan and I were at the Twelve Baskets Cafe for breakfast and conversation about growing in our faith. As we waited for Ricky to bring our breakfast orders, Stan asked, “Do you ever think about what you’re supposed to do if God says to do something you’re afraid to do?”
“I can’t say I’ve ever thought about that, but I bet you have!”
“Safe bet!” Stan replied with a smile. “In fact, that’s what I was focusing on earlier this morning during my journaling time.”
“Did God say something that scared you?”
“No, but He did to Ananias.”
“Ananias? Who’s that?”
“He was a disciple who lived in Damascus a long time ago.”
“What’d God say that scared him?”
“God told him to go see Saul who had encountered Jesus on the Road to Damascus.”
“Why’d He want him to go see Saul?”
“To lay his hands on Saul so he would regain his sight that had been lost by the blinding light of Jesus’ appearance.”
“Did Ananias want to do that?”
“He did not,” Stan replied, “and that’s the whole point of my initial question to you.”
“About what to do when something God says scares you?”
“That’s it,” Stan agreed. “When God told Ananias to go, he told God he was afraid because he’d heard Saul was on a mission to get rid of Christians.”
“What’d God say to that?”
“He explained that Saul was His chosen instrument to spread the truth of the gospel.”
“So did that make Ananias less afraid?”
“It did. He went to Saul and did what God said to do.”
“So,” I said, “the point is that if something God says to us causes us to be afraid, it’s okay to tell God we’re afraid?”
“It is,” Stan replied. “Even though God already knows we’re afraid, it’s okay to tell Him about it and ask Him for what He knows we need to not be afraid.”
“What He knows we need to not be afraid?”
“Yeah,” Stan said. “In this instance, God told Ananias to do something, Ananias told God about his fears, and God explained why he wanted Ananias to go and do what God said. When Ananias heard God’s explanation, he departed and did what God told him to do. It’s okay to ask for a further explanation when God says to do something you’re afraid to do!”
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Bible verses to consider:
But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he did to the saints at Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call upon Thy name.” But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; . . . .” Acts of the Apostles 9:13-15.
And why do you call Me, “Lord, Lord,” and do not do what I say? Luke 6:46.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for giving Jesus and His finished work on the cross as the way to life with you, the life that begins here and will continue forever. Even though I know I will spend eternity in your presence, I confess that too often while I remain on this side of eternity I’m afraid to do what you tell me to do, and I’m reluctant to tell you about my fears. Please forgive that foolishness and help me follow every step of your lead so I do what you know I need to do to accomplish what you have for me to do. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Think on this: Can you respond to God in obedience because you are His, having accepted life with Him through the cross of Christ? If no, why do you choose to remain separated from God both now and forever? If you are a Christian with the assurance of salvation and redemption, how are you doing with fulfilling what God has for you to do even though you are afraid? If you sense the desire for change with any of this, how is that change going to happen? Is that what you truly want? Why or why not?
The need: Since God knows what we need before we ask Him (Matthew 6:8), what does He know you need to actually fulfill what He has for you to do even though you may be afraid? Spend time studying God’s word, praying, reflecting, and journaling to see what God knows you need. He will show you!
Forward: Do you know others who would or could benefit from this devotional? If so, why not forward it and open them to be part of the conversation between Stan and S. Tory Teller?