Ananias: Obedience Despite Fear
While Philip may have found his assignment unclear and unattractive, Ananias experiences his mission as something far more serious—even life-threatening. The thought of going to a man who, in his mind, would gladly throw him into prison fills him with deep anxiety.
Unlike Philip, Ananias voices his concerns. He shows obedience, but also hesitation. He does not rebel, yet he struggles. In His grace, the Lord explains the mission more clearly and gives him a second “Rise,” a second chance:
“Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” (Acts 9:15–16)
After this, we see Ananias respond with willing obedience and carry out the Lord’s command.
What We Learn:
1. God’s Calling Can Be Difficult and Frightening
God may sometimes give us assignments that we do not like at all—or that even scare us. Do we have the courage and willingness to sacrifice?
Let us remember the Lord, who accepted and fulfilled the far greater task of atoning death given to Him by God.
2. Objections Reveal Our Limited Faith
Raising objections before God can be a sign of our weak or limited faith. Moses, for example, brought at least five objections before he was ready to carry out God’s command:
- “Who am I?” (Exodus 3:11)
- “What shall I say to them?” (Exodus 3:13)
- “They will not believe me or listen to my voice.” (Exodus 4:1)
- “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent.” (Exodus 4:10)
- “Oh, my Lord, please send someone else.” (Exodus 4:13)
In the end, however, he went—and experienced how God provided him with all the support and grace he needed for more than 40 years to fulfill this difficult mission.
3. God Gives Second Chances
Although immediate obedience is desirable, the Lord is gracious and sometimes gives His servants a second chance.
Jonah is an encouraging example of this: despite his rebellious disobedience, God sent him again to Nineveh.
4. God Provides What We Lack
The Lord encourages and helps us when we feel inadequate for a task. The One who gives the assignment also provides all the necessary resources.
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