The Lord told him, “Go … and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”
- from Acts 9:11-14

For Ananias, Saul hovered like a shadow and a threat on the horizon. At any moment this monster of a man could show up and drag Ananias, his family, and his friends off to prison or to a violent death.

What would you say back to the Lord if he were having this conversation with you?

“You told him my name?!?”
“I’m too scared to go and talk with him.”
“He doesn’t deserve to hear the good news.”
“Why do you even need me?”
“Can you please just talk with him directly?”
“I won’t do it.”
“Fine” (with attitude).

Ananias has a handful of reasons why going to talk with Saul isn’t a good idea. We often have reason after reason to prevent us from speaking up when the opportunity arises to speak to someone about Jesus.

What reasons have you given God for not speaking up when given the opportunity?

Today’s passage shows us a God who is willing to enter into dialogue with Ananias about this witnessing opportunity. As he did with Moses and Abraham, the Lord is willing to talk with Ananias and to go back and forth him as he prepares to take a courageous, faith-filled step in mission. The Lord extends that same willingness with us.

Don’t shut down. Don’t close off dialogue. Don’t run from God.

If you’re afraid, tell him about your fear. If you’re confused, ask for more clarity. If you think God is making a mistake, approach him with humility and say it to him. The Lord of all the cosmos has chosen to treat you as a friend – more than that – a son or daughter. You don’t have to hide from him.

Take some time today to reflect on the opportunities in front of you to engage in God’s mission: to share the news about Jesus with someone or to reach out to them with compassion in Jesus’ name. Examine where you’re hesitant or resistant. Take your hesitancy or resistance to the Lord and ask him to help you navigate this opportunity