“Obedience”
Read Acts 9:10-18
“Go!” said the Lord. “This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the people of Israel” Acts 9:15
How many of you would willingly step out on a limb when you feel like the only thing on the other side is danger? Proceeding further would require a total trust in the authority or direction and a trust that supersedes your fears. You can decide to play it safe, or you can decide to move forward. Either way, it’s up to you to make that decision to see what is on the other side.
In the book of Acts chapter 9, a disciple named Ananias is given a startling command by God. He is urged to seek out a man named Saul who is notorious for persecuting the believers. As a disciple, Ananias already possessed a certain level of faith in God when he entered into relationship with Him. However, his faith becomes tested through an act of obedience, which requires him to do what may feel like stepping out on a limb.
Faith requires obedience and obedience requires faith. Like Ananias, we are disciples who function with an initial level of faith having acknowledged that Jesus is the Lord of our lives and our Saviour from sin. Yet, having that faith in God will spur us to be obedient to His Word. That Word can be received through the written scriptures, or His audible voice among many other forms. The faith that we possess will always posture us to be in constant communication with God, even as we seek to sustain the relationship we have with Him. And, the faith that we have will motivate us to answer Him immediately whenever He calls.
Now it’s not just about trusting God to bring about something we desire. We must also actively fulfill every commission He gives us, regardless of the dangers that lie ahead. Like Ananias, you may have doubts and fears about approaching someone or something intent on destroying your very existence. Like Ananias, you may feel the need to inform God about how threatening the situation is, reminding Him of the full extent of the person or group’s history. But like Ananias, you must resolve to be obedient because of the faith you have in the Word you received.
With whatever level of faith you have, be obedient. When we are obedient to God, we will see what He will do through our faith.
Reflection
How is God calling you to be obedient? In what way will you respond to Him as you resolve to obey?
Prayer
Father God, I thank You Lord for speaking to me through Your Word. I pray Lord that I will be obedient. It may seem dangerous, and require me to go beyond my comfort zone, but my faith is in You. You never lie, so I trust You as I embark on the journeys ahead. In Jesus name, Amen.
Written by Deborah Nimoh
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