What If?

He kept hearing that word. That one word.

"Go."

The strength and authority behind that one word were like weights on his conscious. They demanded he do what the Lord said. It was the only way to be free. He looked at the floor, as if avoiding the eyes of God.

 "Go." It echoed in his head. In his heart.

Ananias groaned. The last thing he wanted to do was go to Saul, the murderer. He shifted uncomfortably, but the soles of his feet burned with the urge to go and do as the Lord had said.

However, God said he would change. That he was a chosen instrument. And what would happen if he didn't go? What if this was the turning point for Saul, and because Ananias rejected him, he returned to his former ways? Could his disobedience have such a dastardly effect?

Ananias didn't want to wonder about that. He didn't want to be the one to disobey God. So he would go. He would go for God even though he didn't like it. Ananias arose and walked out the door.

Based on Acts 9:10-15

"Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, 'Ananias.' And he said, 'Here I am, Lord.' And the Lord said to him, 'Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.' But Ananias answered, 'Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.' But the Lord said to him, 'Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.'" Acts 9:10-15

I have to give credit where credit is due. This post was inspired by my insightful mother. Thank you, Mom.

Back to the topic on hand. Let's play a game of "What if...?"

What if Ananias didn't go to see Saul? What if he said, "Nope, not happening, Bro," to God? What if he disobeyed God? Would Saul have returned to his prior ways?

No matter what your opinion on this is, stop. Think about this for a moment. Let the full impact hit you. What if?

Here's the thing: God sends us to people who are messed up. Broken. Angry. Rebellious. Those are the people that need Him. What if we took one look at those people, turned up our haughty noses, and disregarded their worth and purpose? What if that person was supposed to be the next Saul/Paul? What if you are the one being disobedient?

My friends, we are called to be like Ananias. We may not like it - Ananias didn't - but we are supposed to minister to those people. They need God, and His plan and love for them is great. So before you do whatever it is you want to do in order to be rid of this person, stop. Ask yourself, "What if?"

V. Joy Palmer