Letting Go Of Fear

20 May Letting Go Of Fear

Read Acts 9:10-17 (NLT)
Thought for the Day: God asks me to let go of my fear!

Roughly two thousand years ago, a young man named Saul thought he was doing God’s will by persecuting the Early Church. Not content to simply enjoy his status as a Pharisee, Saul took an active role, even voicing his approval when Stephen was stoned to death. Saul was destined to be the first great villain of the Early Church. That is until he was confronted by a vision of Jesus Himself.

Too often we only remember the story of Saul and his conversion. Of course, ultimately he became a follower of Jesus and had his name changed to Paul. However, one of the bravest and most under-appreciated members of the Early Church was a man named Ananias. Simultaneous with Saul’s conversion, Ananias received a vision of his own and was given an incredibly difficult task. Despite Saul’s sinister reputation, Ananias was told in a vision to go lay hands on Saul and heal him. Unsurprisingly, Ananias was filled with fear: “But Lord, I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon Your name.”

But something amazing happened. God said, “GO” and immediately, Ananias obeyed. Because of Ananias’ courageous leap, Saul (who is known to us as the Apostle Paul) had his life completely changed. Instead of being remembered as the Church’s greatest villain, we think of him as the greatest evangelist and first missionary. Keeping that in mind, it is important to remember that Paul’s success would never have been possible without Ananias letting go of his fear.

Today’s let’s be encouraged. As God leads, we can trust Him and let go of fear!

In Christ,
Pastors Stan and David