11/15/25 Courage to Obey

Takeaway: Courageous faith listens, trusts, and obeys even when the outcome is uncertain or unfavorable, because God’s call to us comes with His presence.

Opening Prayer

Gracious Lord, as I open Your Word today, give me the courage to listen and obey, even when the path ahead feels uncertain, uncomfortable, or unfavorable. Help me trust that Your call is always accompanied by Your presence, and that obedience, opens the way for Your transforming work. Teach me through Ananias’ faith to say yes when You call. Amen.

Reflection

The story of Ananias is often overshadowed by the dramatic conversion of Saul, the persecutor of Christians who becomes the Apostle Paul. Yet, tucked within this larger story is a powerful example of courageous, obedient faith. When the Lord calls Ananias in a vision, his response is immediate and willing: “Here I am, Lord.” But when God gives him the task, to go to a man named Saul who was known as the one imprisoning and killing followers of Jesus, Ananias understandably hesitates. His fear is reasonable; this command places him directly in harm’s way. Saul’s reputation as a violent enemy of the church is well known, and Ananias obeying God means stepping into the path of real danger.

Still, God assures him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine.” With that promise, Ananias rises and goes. Despite his fear, despite uncertainty, despite a plan for why him, he steps forward in faith. His courage to obey becomes a turning point in the story of redemption. Imagine that moment when Ananias lays his trembling hands on Saul and calls him “Brother Saul.” What unconditional grace! In obedience, Ananias bridges the gap between hatred and healing, between the old life and the new. God uses his faithful to affirm one of the greatest transformations in history: the conversion of the man who would carry the gospel to the nations.

Ananias’ courage shows us that faith is not the absence of fear but the decision to act despite it. God often calls us into uncomfortable spaces, toward people or situations that stretch our trust and test our resolve. Courageous faith listens to God’s voice above the noise of fear and chooses obedience even when the outcome could be unfavorable. Like Ananias, we may not see the full picture of what God is doing, but our obedience becomes the point on which His greater purpose turns. When we step out in faith, God’s light breaks into darkness, not only transforming others but also deepening our own trust in His faithfulness.

Each act of courageous obedience, no matter how small, participates in God’s redemptive story. Ananias didn’t know that his visit to Saul would change the course of church history. He only knew that God had spoken, and that was enough. When we find ourselves facing uncertainty, fear, or hesitation, we can remember that God’s call always carries His presence. We do not walk into the unknown alone; we walk with the One who has already gone before us.

Questions

When has God asked you to step into something uncertain or uncomfortable? How did you respond?

What fears make it difficult for you to say “yes” to God’s call?

Closing Prayer

Lord, thank You for showing me through Ananias that true courage is found in trusting You. Strengthen my heart to obey even when the road ahead is uncertain. May my small steps of faith become part of Your great story of grace and transformation. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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