Scared of God's call

Good morning brothers and sisters. Yesterday we talked about being called by God. And we looked at Saul before his conversion. But let's really take a look. Because the disciple that was to meet him was scared. So let's take a look at Acts 9. We still start with verse one and see what the Holy Spirit has to say. 1-Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2- and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now look Saul was at the height of killing Christians. He even went and got letters stating it was ok to just grab them and take them. 3- As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven.4- Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" 5-And he said, "Who are You, Lord?" Then the Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads." Notice the light IMMEDIATELY appeared. Not the gradual sun light of the starting of the day. 6- So, he trembling, and astonished, said, "Lord, what do You want me to do?" Then the Lord said to him, "Arise and go into the city and you will be told what you must do." 7-And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. Notice here all heard the Lord. They too were being witnessed to just not to the gravity of Saul. See we never know who is listening and gets blessed just because we are bold in the Lord. 8- Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank. Here is where we come in when we are scared of God's call. 10- Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Here I am, Lord." Do we respond to the Lord in that way when He calls our name? 11- So the Lord said to him, "Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. 12- And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight." 13- Then Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. 14-And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name." Now this disciple is scared. God has just called him to go and see the one that has been sent out to kill them. What would you do? 15- But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.16- For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake." Now would you look at that. A man seeking to destroy followers of Christ, has a purpose in God's plan. So what makes you think that you don't? No matter where you are, no matter what you have done, if you are willing to follow Christ, God has a plan for you. He can use you. 17- And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you receive your sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit." Now Ananias had more faith than fear and followed the commands that were given to him. Jesus never told him that he would be safe but to go. Ananias calls Saul brother. And Ananias faith carried him through. Do we just go when God says to go? Do we just speak when God says to speak? Let's live like Ananias and let our faith be bigger than our fear. And look what happens. 18- Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. 19- So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus. Saul's conversion. The enemy lost a good soldier that day and heaven gained one. See so don't ever think that God can not use you because He has a purpose and a plan for your life. Ask Him and He will supply it. Have a blessed day and rise up children of God, rise up!