Ignoring our Fears

Readings:
I Chronicles 16
Acts 9:10-22

Focus:
Acts 9:17a:"So Ananias went, and, on entering the house, laid his hands on him."

I've always really admired Ananias. He admits to God that he's pretty much scared of Saul. After all, Saul's the guy who's been running all over the place arresting Christians. He doesn't want to get anywhere near him!

Yet when God tells him to go to Saul, Ananias obeys. He walks right into the room where Saul is, and lays hands on him so that God can remove his blindness. Then he teaches Saul about Jesus. He overcomes his natural fear in order to obey God.

The result was that the world ended up with the apostle Paul, which is who Saul became. And Paul taught many, many people about Jesus, and it's ultimately because of him that most of us have heard the good news. Saul didn't waste any time, either. True to his personality, he went right out and started teaching people about Jesus.

It's thanks to the obedience of Ananias, in spite of his fear, that the good news started to spread to so many people. It's an example for us to follow!