Fear that Overcomes Our Fear

Text: Acts 9:10-19
Theme: Ananias’ fear of God was greater than his fear of Saul.
Key verses: “In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, ‘Ananias!’ ‘Yes Lord,’ he answered” (v. 10). “‘Lord, I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.’ But the Lord said to Ananias, ‘Go! This man is my chosen instrument…’ Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord…has sent me so that you may see again…'” (v. 13-17).
What God said to me: Son, you are to be holy even as I am holy. How’s that going for you? I know the answer, but I’m not sure you really do. I expect and demand your best 24/7. Do you really fear me? Apparently not, based on your behavior at times. Ananias feared me. Saul was the most feared persecutor of Christians of that day. Everyone knew of his loathsome reputation. The last thing Ananias or any other believer back then wanted to do was walk right up to Saul and proclaim his allegiance to Christ. Yet, Ananias feared me more. He trusted me and wanted to obey me more than obey his fears and doubts. He had strong faith because he was first of all my disciple. That’s why I chose him to go to Saul. I knew he could be trusted. He was a God-fearing man. As Saul would later write as Paul, “If God be for us, who can be against us?”. No doubt Paul thought sometimes about Ananias and his great faith to approach a complete stranger he knew had the authority to throw him into prison. No doubt Paul was thankful for Ananias’ faith and courage. Question: If I asked you to do something as bold and dangerous as that, would you? Whom do you fear the most?
What I said to God: Lord, You know all things. You know I don’t fear You as I should. I want to say I would readily obey, but I can’t even seem to “readily” obey You in my day to day activities and safe environments. Why would I think I would suddenly rise to an occasion of danger? Why would I even presume You would call on me at all? Your eyes look to and fro across the earth, that You might strongly support those who hearts are completely Yours. Please help me yield my whole heart to You today, so I too might catch Your eye and receive Your call.