Ananias...the one who started it all for me. It was reading in Acts 9 that I came across the account of the Lord calling out to Ananias in a vision, and Ananias responding with, "Here I am."
In the past few weeks, we have been able to take a glimpse into the lives of three men who said the same thing: Abraham, Jacob, and Moses. I don't know about you, but I have been encouraged and challenged by their example of obedience and courage...and above all, faith. As I have been in study for this series, I've heard the Lord speak things to my heart that I had never heard in quite the same way before. His Word is coming alive in me!
Ananias, the one that started it all for me, and the only example we will look at from the New Testament. Who is this man?
Ananias was a disciple of Jesus, and Paul later says, well spoken of by the Jews. I do want to address that this is not the same Ananias we find in Acts 5 who, with his wife Sapphira, sold his property, yet kept a portion of the proceeds for himself. His deeds were made known to the apostles, and at that point his life was lost. Nor is this Ananias, the high priest in Acts 23-24 who brought a case against Paul. No, indeed this is not the same Ananias we find in these two accounts. He was a man, perhaps not as well known as others we often think of, but without a doubt one of faith.
In Acts 9, Saul, who would come to be known as Paul, was on his way to Damascus. Verse 1-2 introduces Saul with, "But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem." Saul was not one to be trifled with, and you can be sure Christians knew his name.
On his was to Damascus, Saul encounters the Lord, is stricken blind, and is told to go to Damascus and find a man named Ananias. About the same time, the Lord comes to Ananias in a vision, calling his name. Then we hear it..."Hear I am, Lord." The Lord proceeds to tell Ananias to go to a man named Saul, and to lay his hands on him.
Ananias knew who Saul was, and even asks God about it. No doubt there is a hint of fear in his voice. But as we have looked at before, there is often fear when God calls us to do something. However, Ananias didn't run away or avoid Saul, as many may have well done knowing Saul's reputation. No, he went right away to find Saul.
I can't help but chuckle a bit. If only Ananias knew what was about to happen. If only he knew what God was about to unleash through Saul/Paul. I don't think he could have imagined it!
Ananias finds Saul, lays his hands on him, and Saul regains his sight. Immediately, Ananias prophesizes over him and baptizes him. He gets to witness the transformation of a persecutor into a mighty man of God. Knowing Saul's reputation, I can imagine that Ananias must have felt some sense of how big this time was.
I can't help but think how exciting it must have been for Ananias. He made himself available to God, and when called upon to do something fearful, he proceeded with obedience and courage. The result of his faith was the conversion of Saul into Paul. The impact Paul made for the gospel cannot be counted or imagined. I'm amazed at what that meant for Ananias, and what that means for us.
Before we conclude, it would be appropriate to make known that Ananias is mentioned once more, in Acts 22.12-16. Paul is recounting his conversion, and mentions Ananias, and even recounts the conversion with a bit more detail. We can learn from this example given to us through Ananias, and be encouraged to step out in faith and expect that God will use our faith to do great things for His kingdom.
As we look back over the last few weeks:
Abraham has convicted me to be willing to lay my dreams on the altar. Never has this been more necessary or been called upon me more than in the last few weeks as I have been asked to lay down my greatest dream, and it has been the hardest thing I have ever had to do. But I would rather lay my dream down than be disobedient to my loving Father.
Jacob's testimony has encouraged me to go forward when I am called, even in the presence of fear. To take a step into the unknown when I am called.
Moses has challenged me to proceed when called upon, even though I might not feel qualified. We can be sure that when God calls us to do something, no matter the task, He will equip us to do it. We must just step out and believe He will give us what we need, when we rely on Him, to go forth.
And in Ananias, also teaching us to step out when we are afraid, we see the possibility of what one act of obedience can do to advance the gospel, impact the Kingdom, and change many lives.
My prayer for you would be that God would stir something in your heart through this study. That you would be challenged by each of these accounts to step out in obedience and courage when you are called upon.
However, we are not done. Next we will conclude our study by turning the tables a little, and taking a look at an Old Testament account of God replying to His child, "Here I am." You wont want to miss it!
Showing posts with label courage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label courage. Show all posts
Category:
Ananias,
courage,
Here I Am,
obedience
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Do you ever find your mind wondering off in several directions? A certain worry or concern sets your mind in panic mode? I don’t know if it’s just a ‘Mommy’ thing, but when it comes to my kids, my mind can easily wander off before I know it. Just for example, a few days ago when I was brushing my daughter’s hair, I noticed a tick stuck to her head. I tried all of the tick removal ‘tricks’ that I discovered on Google, and after several attempts, I removed the tick. Well, the following day my daughter started complaining of a headache and not feeling well. That quickly my mind began to go in a million directions, “I wonder if her headache is related to that tick bite?” “What if that tick had Lyme’s disease?” “Should I call the pediatrician and ask them if I should be watching my daughter for any symptoms?” Seriously, my mind started going a million miles a minute!
Ever been there?
Maybe it’s some worries with your children. Your marriage. Or any of the other hundreds of things that can flood our minds and rob our joy?
An unusual doctor’s report on our child?
Your child looks like his heart is far from God?
A marriage that looks completely hopeless?
Aging parents with health issues-and a future that is looking bleak?
Financial difficulties?
Fortunately, I recognized this worry sooner than later and gave my motherly panic over to God. I reminded myself that it’s at these times in our lives where we have to continually meditate on the scriptures, Philippians 4:6-7, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he’s done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
Did you notice that?
As we pray instead of worry and be thankful for all He’s done… then God is going to give us a supernatural peace that will guard our wandering minds! It's a supernatural peace-one that's given by our loving Father not a peace we can muster up on our own. This is the kind of peace I need at times my wandering mind has the best of me!
We need to fix our wandering minds on God-the maker of this world and the creator of the planets and stars. Let’s agree together today that the next time our minds begin to wonder and worry, we’re going to give it ALL to Him! I know we can trust Him! :)
Love,
Stephanie
More to meditate on: Philippians 4:8-9
Ever been there?
Maybe it’s some worries with your children. Your marriage. Or any of the other hundreds of things that can flood our minds and rob our joy?
An unusual doctor’s report on our child?
Your child looks like his heart is far from God?
A marriage that looks completely hopeless?
Aging parents with health issues-and a future that is looking bleak?
Financial difficulties?
Fortunately, I recognized this worry sooner than later and gave my motherly panic over to God. I reminded myself that it’s at these times in our lives where we have to continually meditate on the scriptures, Philippians 4:6-7, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he’s done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
Did you notice that?
As we pray instead of worry and be thankful for all He’s done… then God is going to give us a supernatural peace that will guard our wandering minds! It's a supernatural peace-one that's given by our loving Father not a peace we can muster up on our own. This is the kind of peace I need at times my wandering mind has the best of me!
We need to fix our wandering minds on God-the maker of this world and the creator of the planets and stars. Let’s agree together today that the next time our minds begin to wonder and worry, we’re going to give it ALL to Him! I know we can trust Him! :)
Love,
Stephanie
More to meditate on: Philippians 4:8-9
Category:
courage,
encouragement,
prayer
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Over the last two weeks, we have been able take a peek into the lives of two men of the faith, Abraham and Jacob. We have been able to witness their immediate response and obedience in saying "Here I am, Lord." And in the face of the unknown, exercise courage. I don't know about you, but I have been greatly challenged and encouraged by this study.
The response, "here I am" has been echoing in my mind, like a dream I can't shake.
Abraham has convicted me to be willing to lay my dreams on the altar. Indeed, even in the last few weeks I have been asked to lay down my greatest dream, and it has been the hardest thing I have ever had to do. But I would rather lay my dream down than be disobedient to my loving Father.
Jacob's testimony has encouraged me to go forward when I am called, even in the presence of fear.
This week we examine the instance in which Moses responds to God with, "Here I am." We find his story in Exodus 3. I would encourage you now take the time to read the chapter.
When we come to chapter three, what do we know about Moses? We know that he was a Hebrew child hidden by his mother to escape death. We know he was placed into the river and eventually found by the Pharaohs daughter. We know he is raised in Pharaohs court and has gained much in his time there. We know, when one day he sees an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, he kills the man, and out of fear, runs to the land of Midian. We know he marries the priests daughter, and for forty years, shepards the man flocks in the wilderness.
Forty years. The same routine every day. Certainly plenty of time to pray. One day, however, Moses would encounter God in a way he never had before. A day unlike any other.
As Moses was out with the flock, he notices a burning bush. Not extraordinary in itself. But as time goes by, Moses notices that the bush isn't being consumed. Interesting, don't you think? Moses did to. He goes to get a closer look and out of nowhere he hears his name called.
What I find crazy is that Moses responds, "Here I am." Seriously? Really? I'm fairly certain that if I saw a burning bush and heard a loud voice call out my name out in the middle of nowhere, I would be pretty darned scared. Wouldn't you? Not Moses though; he is cool, calm, and collected.
To get to the point, God calls Moses' name, Moses responds, and God tells Moses He wants for him to return to Egypt. Like Jacob, God was calling Moses to return to a place he had once fled out of fear of death. To return to Egypt would mean to face his past…something we all are afraid to do at times.
Can you imagine being told that God wants you to return to a dangerous place, and out of there, lead the deliverance of thousands of people through the desert? Pretty big task if you ask me! But Moses did it, and he was used as Gods instrument to deliver the Israelites out of bondage.
I want to challenge you today to face the fear ahead. Perhaps you don’t feel qualified like Moses? Do it anyway. Please know this…God wouldn’t call you to do anything He knew you couldn’t handle. He will equip you for what He has called you to do!
You have know idea what God has planned for you. Nor can you comprehend the magnitude of your purpose. We all have a purpose. Yes, you have a God ordained purpose to make an impact on this earth that ONLY YOU can make. My prayer would be that you would never regret being disobedient to the call of God because you were afraid or felt ill-qualified, but rather you would be able to see a life marked with obedience and courage!
The response, "here I am" has been echoing in my mind, like a dream I can't shake.
Abraham has convicted me to be willing to lay my dreams on the altar. Indeed, even in the last few weeks I have been asked to lay down my greatest dream, and it has been the hardest thing I have ever had to do. But I would rather lay my dream down than be disobedient to my loving Father.
Jacob's testimony has encouraged me to go forward when I am called, even in the presence of fear.
This week we examine the instance in which Moses responds to God with, "Here I am." We find his story in Exodus 3. I would encourage you now take the time to read the chapter.
When we come to chapter three, what do we know about Moses? We know that he was a Hebrew child hidden by his mother to escape death. We know he was placed into the river and eventually found by the Pharaohs daughter. We know he is raised in Pharaohs court and has gained much in his time there. We know, when one day he sees an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, he kills the man, and out of fear, runs to the land of Midian. We know he marries the priests daughter, and for forty years, shepards the man flocks in the wilderness.
Forty years. The same routine every day. Certainly plenty of time to pray. One day, however, Moses would encounter God in a way he never had before. A day unlike any other.
As Moses was out with the flock, he notices a burning bush. Not extraordinary in itself. But as time goes by, Moses notices that the bush isn't being consumed. Interesting, don't you think? Moses did to. He goes to get a closer look and out of nowhere he hears his name called.
What I find crazy is that Moses responds, "Here I am." Seriously? Really? I'm fairly certain that if I saw a burning bush and heard a loud voice call out my name out in the middle of nowhere, I would be pretty darned scared. Wouldn't you? Not Moses though; he is cool, calm, and collected.
To get to the point, God calls Moses' name, Moses responds, and God tells Moses He wants for him to return to Egypt. Like Jacob, God was calling Moses to return to a place he had once fled out of fear of death. To return to Egypt would mean to face his past…something we all are afraid to do at times.
Can you imagine being told that God wants you to return to a dangerous place, and out of there, lead the deliverance of thousands of people through the desert? Pretty big task if you ask me! But Moses did it, and he was used as Gods instrument to deliver the Israelites out of bondage.
I want to challenge you today to face the fear ahead. Perhaps you don’t feel qualified like Moses? Do it anyway. Please know this…God wouldn’t call you to do anything He knew you couldn’t handle. He will equip you for what He has called you to do!
You have know idea what God has planned for you. Nor can you comprehend the magnitude of your purpose. We all have a purpose. Yes, you have a God ordained purpose to make an impact on this earth that ONLY YOU can make. My prayer would be that you would never regret being disobedient to the call of God because you were afraid or felt ill-qualified, but rather you would be able to see a life marked with obedience and courage!
Category:
courage,
Here I Am,
Moses,
obedience
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Last week we began a look at five men in the Bible who responded with, "Here I am" when God called their name. In these men we can learn great lessons; lessons on what obedience and courage look like.
In our first study, we looked at the life of Abraham and how God had spoken to him that he must sacrifice his son, Isaac. With immediate obedience and great courage, he made a three day journey in order to offer up his son. However, God stopped him in the nick of time, and blessed Abraham as the father of many.
Today we look at Jacob, the grandson of Abraham. A man we would come to know as Israel; the father of the twelve tribes. We see, not in just one chapter, but twice the obedience of Jacob. But it was not always like this for Jacob. In fact, Jacob was quite the troublemaker.
A deceit most noted is that of Jacob in deceiving his father, in Genesis 27. Here, Jacob tells his father many lies in order to steal a blessing that belonged to his older brother Esau. Many were the consequences that came as a result of Jacobs deception, but over the course of his life, he learned to hear and respond to the voice of God.
I believe this can be a great encouragement to us all. We can look at the life of Israel and see God's mercy and favor, as he sought God. We can know that our past mistakes are not barriers to Gods blessings. Yes, there will be consequences to our sins, but God is merciful and covers us with favor as a shield.
Over time, Jacob learned to recognize the voice of God. And not only did he recognize the voice of God, but he learned obedience.
In Genesis 31, Jacob has made a family and acquired property for himself, while living with his uncle Laban. After years of service to Laban, he finds his favor with his uncle dwindling. In a dream, God calls Jacobs name, and he responds with, "Here I am." God then proceeds to tell him to take his family and property, and to return to his native land.
That took courage on Jacobs part. Why? Because returning home meant facing his older brother Esau. Remember, Jacob had fled home in the first place because he was told Esau had plans to kill him. To return home could mean death for him.
The second time we see God call to Jacob in a dream is in Genesis 46, and Jacob of course responds, "Here I am." This time, God calls Jacob to leave home, and to travel to Egypt in order that he may be reunited with his son Joseph. We can find confidence in knowing that sometimes when God calls us, it may be a bit unnerving, going to a place we are unfamiliar with, but it's road leads to answered prayer and restoration.
We can look at the life of Jacob and be encouraged. To see a man botch it up quite a bit, but to see this man grow into someone God uses to birth His chosen nation, Israel. We can be encouraged in knowing that even though we make mistakes, God chooses to restore our fortunes out of His own loving desire, to restore us and bless us.
Perhaps God is calling your name right now. You hesitate to respond out of fear. Out of doubt that you are capable. Be assured that God will equip you for every journey He calls us to. Sometimes its hard. Sometimes it's very hard. Usually it leads to a blessing we cannot imagine. Jacob returned to his native land, with Esau meeting him with open arms. And in his later years, he travelled the unknown to be reunited with his precious son Joseph, whom he thought was dead.
When God calls your name, will you be able to recognize His voice? If so, will you respond immediately and with courage?
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courage,
Here I Am,
Jacob,
obedience
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The other day I was reading in Acts 9, for no reason other than I opened up to it. As I was reading the chapter, I came across the character of Ananias. We find him in scripture twice; once in Acts 9 when he meets Saul and once in Acts 22 as the now Paul mentions him.
In a vision, the Lord calls Ananias' name, and immediately he responds with, "Here I am, Lord." This is a response I had remembered hearing before, so I quickly began to research other instances in the Bible when someone had responded with ,"Here I am" when God called their name.
There are five instances that I could find, using this exact phrasing; four times in the Old Testament and once in the New Testament. Needless to say, my curiosity was peaked.
I took some time to study each instance, and each time I saw obedience and courage in the response of the person. As I began to write this devotional, I realized I couldn't fit it all into one segment. In fact, Abraham's experience was enough for one devotional. With that said, I will be turning this study into a five part study on the obedience and courage of those in the Bible who said, "Here I am."
Genesis 22 - Abraham
Abraham waited years, and I mean years, to have a son with his wife, Sarah. After decades of praying, waiting on God, and an attempt to get the process started early, God opens up Sarah's barren womb, and she bears Isaac. Beautiful and heaven sent Isaac...the answer to their prayers.
One day many years later, God calls out to Abraham, "and he said, 'Here am I.'" God tells Abraham that he would like for him to take Isaac to a designated mountain and...are you ready for a shocker? He tells Abraham to sacrifice beautiful Isaac. Really you might ask?! Oh yes.
What floors me and encourages me all at the same time is Abraham's immediate response! Scripture says he woke up early the next morning and set off on a a three day journey to the mountain.
Let's be honest, how many of us would have taken the time to get around obeying? Maybe taking a few days to prepare for the trip? Or taking a week to soak up your final moments with your loving son? It's not too hard to imagine stalling as long as possible. However, don't we fall into this trap more than we would like to admit? God asks us to do something difficult, and though we agree to obey, how often do we beat around the bush? Delayed obedience is still disobedience, no matter what way you try to paint the picture. Abraham didn't just respond immediately with "Here I am" when God called his name, but he responded in action as well. What a great directive for us all.
Furthermore, Abraham didn't even ask for God to reconsider His command! It would have been easy to rationalize with God. To perhaps ask God to spare him of such a thing. To remind God that Isaac was a promise to Abraham. But no. God tells Abraham to sacrifice his only son, and in the next sentence we see Abraham's immediate obedience.
Can you imagine it? For years you pray for a child. One son with your bride. And finally, after years of trying and crying out to God, your son arrives. You spend many more years training him in the ways of the Lord. Years in fellowship with your pride and joy. Morning after morning of God'spromise looking back at you. Then one day, your Heavenly Father tells you to sacrifice your most treasured son. Instead of fighting back, your crying heart musters up enough faith to move forward in obedience.
Immediately you set off with your precious son. Three days you journey with him, all the while knowing that the son who is following you so willingly, who has trusted you all the days of his life, is about to be bound on an alter by your very hands.
The anguish Abraham must have carried in his soul...it's devastating to think about it. Yet what obedience, and courage it took to follow God. Surely, an example to us all. If Abraham can be ready to say "Here I am," and offer up his only son, can we not be ready to answer God and have the courage to sacrifice our own dreams.
C.H. Spurgeon, in his study of Genesis 22, made this point about our dreams and loves. "Let Isaac be dear, but let Isaac die sooner than God should be distrusted!"
Wow...
With much relief, we can read that God did not allow Abraham to go with through with the sacrifice. What we can learn from Abraham is followed up in two words: obedience, and courage.
We can also read further in Scripture and see that through Abraham's obedience, God used him to birth a nation. What an incredible testimony.
I pray your heart is strengthened with this message. I pray it will encourage you to be ready to say "Here I am," when God calls your name. I pray that if the last thing you hope God would ask you to do is asked, you would have the courage to respond with immediate obedience. I know this passage challenges me to do so.
In a vision, the Lord calls Ananias' name, and immediately he responds with, "Here I am, Lord." This is a response I had remembered hearing before, so I quickly began to research other instances in the Bible when someone had responded with ,"Here I am" when God called their name.
There are five instances that I could find, using this exact phrasing; four times in the Old Testament and once in the New Testament. Needless to say, my curiosity was peaked.
I took some time to study each instance, and each time I saw obedience and courage in the response of the person. As I began to write this devotional, I realized I couldn't fit it all into one segment. In fact, Abraham's experience was enough for one devotional. With that said, I will be turning this study into a five part study on the obedience and courage of those in the Bible who said, "Here I am."
Genesis 22 - Abraham
Abraham waited years, and I mean years, to have a son with his wife, Sarah. After decades of praying, waiting on God, and an attempt to get the process started early, God opens up Sarah's barren womb, and she bears Isaac. Beautiful and heaven sent Isaac...the answer to their prayers.
One day many years later, God calls out to Abraham, "and he said, 'Here am I.'" God tells Abraham that he would like for him to take Isaac to a designated mountain and...are you ready for a shocker? He tells Abraham to sacrifice beautiful Isaac. Really you might ask?! Oh yes.
What floors me and encourages me all at the same time is Abraham's immediate response! Scripture says he woke up early the next morning and set off on a a three day journey to the mountain.
Let's be honest, how many of us would have taken the time to get around obeying? Maybe taking a few days to prepare for the trip? Or taking a week to soak up your final moments with your loving son? It's not too hard to imagine stalling as long as possible. However, don't we fall into this trap more than we would like to admit? God asks us to do something difficult, and though we agree to obey, how often do we beat around the bush? Delayed obedience is still disobedience, no matter what way you try to paint the picture. Abraham didn't just respond immediately with "Here I am" when God called his name, but he responded in action as well. What a great directive for us all.
Furthermore, Abraham didn't even ask for God to reconsider His command! It would have been easy to rationalize with God. To perhaps ask God to spare him of such a thing. To remind God that Isaac was a promise to Abraham. But no. God tells Abraham to sacrifice his only son, and in the next sentence we see Abraham's immediate obedience.
Can you imagine it? For years you pray for a child. One son with your bride. And finally, after years of trying and crying out to God, your son arrives. You spend many more years training him in the ways of the Lord. Years in fellowship with your pride and joy. Morning after morning of God'spromise looking back at you. Then one day, your Heavenly Father tells you to sacrifice your most treasured son. Instead of fighting back, your crying heart musters up enough faith to move forward in obedience.
Immediately you set off with your precious son. Three days you journey with him, all the while knowing that the son who is following you so willingly, who has trusted you all the days of his life, is about to be bound on an alter by your very hands.
The anguish Abraham must have carried in his soul...it's devastating to think about it. Yet what obedience, and courage it took to follow God. Surely, an example to us all. If Abraham can be ready to say "Here I am," and offer up his only son, can we not be ready to answer God and have the courage to sacrifice our own dreams.
C.H. Spurgeon, in his study of Genesis 22, made this point about our dreams and loves. "Let Isaac be dear, but let Isaac die sooner than God should be distrusted!"
Wow...
With much relief, we can read that God did not allow Abraham to go with through with the sacrifice. What we can learn from Abraham is followed up in two words: obedience, and courage.
We can also read further in Scripture and see that through Abraham's obedience, God used him to birth a nation. What an incredible testimony.
I pray your heart is strengthened with this message. I pray it will encourage you to be ready to say "Here I am," when God calls your name. I pray that if the last thing you hope God would ask you to do is asked, you would have the courage to respond with immediate obedience. I know this passage challenges me to do so.
