Through the years, I have often heard (and even said this myself) a person talk about how God was leading or asking or telling them to do a particular thing and their response was to argue with God and say "no!"
Where do we get this notion that we can say "no" to God? We studied Ananias in Acts 9:10 -19 last night! God sent him to meet with Saul - who had encountered Christ on the Damascus road resulting in a life change and blindness! Notice:
1. When God called out to Ananias, his response was an affirmative "Yes, Lord!" It may have been an acknowledgement that he was hearing God, but at least he answered and was positive about it!
That beats hiding out from God - or trying to ignore God - or hoping He will go away!
2. God was very clear in telling Him what He wanted Ananias to do! My experience in life is that God has been and is generally now pretty clear about what He wants us to do! Much of what He wants us to do is clearly defined in scripture! Are we doing those things - those things that are clear?
3. Ananias didn't argue - but did express his fears! In response to the Lord Ananias just said, "Lord, I have heard a lot of stuff about this guy!" Better to express your fears than to keep them in - HOWEVER, it did not change the Lord's mind! He simply repeated His command - "GO!"
4. Ananias was an answer to prayer! God used Ananias to fulfill a vision of Saul - to answer a prayer of Saul! The scripture tells us that God told Ananias that Saul was praying - and that in a vision he had seen Ananias come and restore his sight! God's instructions to us will often cause us to be used to answer the prayer of another!
5. Ananias went and Saul received his sight, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and was baptized! Ananias was able to add a wonderful story of God's provision to his testimony!
God doesn't so much ask us if we will do something! He sends us - He instructs us - He commands us! Who in their right mind and spiritual condition will argue with God? Say "yes, Lord!" And be blessed!
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