Answer the Call

Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that God causes all things to

work together for good to those who love God, to those who are

called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:31 says, “What then

shall we say to these things? If God be for us who is against us?”

From these two verses we can assuredly understand no matter

what we are facing, God is bigger than any circumstance that comes

before us. God is always with us, and on our side. Now upon

knowing this truth imagine if you had a dream concerning Bin Laden.

Let’s say you had a vison in which you were to go find him, lay hands

upon him and pray for him. You, though, were not allowed to bring

anyone with you and you had to go alone. What would your first

thought be?

In Acts 9:10-18 we read a similar but true story. There was a

devout man named Ananias. Ananias had a vision that he was to go

to Saul, the known terrorist of that time. He was to go to this

persecutor of the church and pray for him, because he was a chosen

vessel for the Lord. The Lord told Saul as well that Ananias had a

vision of him coming. Ananias I’m sure at first was both nervous and

unsure. He tells the Lord that he knows how this man has done evil

to the saints and has the authority to persecute all believers. The Lord

tells Ananias that Saul will be used for God, and so he agreed to go.

When Ananias saw Saul, he called him, “Brother Saul” and then

prayed for him. Saul’s vision was restored, he was baptized and then

started his journey of being used by God.

Hebrews 13:6 says, “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid

what shall man do to me?” Isaiah 12:2 says, “Behold God is my

salvation I will trust and not be afraid, for the Lord God is my

strength and song and He has become my salvation.” In Acts 9:10 it

says that the Lord said “Ananias” and Ananias said, “Behold I am

here Lord.” Then obeyed the call. The Lord equally is always calling

us, but will we choose to answer?

There will be times in which we may not understand everything

God wants us to do at first, but we must fully trust in Him. Maybe

it’s the fear of the unknown or yet even the fear of the known. It

requires faith and trust in every situation, but we must choose to say,

“Here I am Lord.” God’s word tells us He is our helper so why be

afraid? We may never have to go to the Bin Laden’s of this world like

Ananias had to, but we will have to do something for Him.

Regardless of whatever God asks of us to do, He will be there for us.

He will never ask us to do something and then quit on us. Ananias

was faithful and walked in faith and trust in God, and God didn’t

allow any harm to come to him.

Hebrews 11:6 says, “Without faith it’s impossible to please

Him.” We know that God is our helper and that He is always with us

and for us. The question is will we walk in faith and trust in God and

say “Behold I am here Lord” when He calls us?

What About You?

1. Is God inviting you to participate in His work?

2. What is holding you back?

From God's Garden Tools by Gina Burns