SACRED – Week 5: Be an Ananias - Brent Isbill

Scripture: Acts 9:1–19

What happens when God asks us to do something difficult? Will we trust Him enough to obey, even when it doesn't make sense?

In Week 5 of our SACRED series, “Be an Ananias,” we studied the powerful transformation of Saul and the incredible obedience of Ananias. God called Ananias to step out in faith and extend grace to a man who had persecuted Christians. Despite his fears and uncertainty, Ananias chose to trust God and obey.

God will ask us to do hard things. Sometimes He calls us outside our comfort zones, challenges us to forgive, asks us to show generosity, or places people in our lives who desperately need to experience His love and grace. The question Jesus is asking us is simple: “Do you trust Me?”

We were challenged to examine our own hearts and ask ourselves some difficult questions:

Are we truly surrendering every area of our lives to Jesus?

Who have we given up on that God is calling us to extend grace to?

Who is the person in our life we need to invite to church or share Jesus with?

What would true generosity look like if we stopped holding back?

Are we walking in obedience, or are we putting off what God has already asked us to do?

Just as Ananias extended God's grace to Saul, we are called to extend that same grace to our brothers, sisters, and even those we find difficult to love. No one is beyond the transforming power of Jesus Christ!

Paul's life belonged to Jesus. He lived openhanded, surrendering his plans, his comfort, and ultimately his entire life to God's purpose. We are called to do the same.

Philippians 4:12–13 reminds us that through Christ, we can find strength and contentment in every circumstance. Our obedience isn't dependent on things being easy. It's dependent on our trust in the One who calls us.

The challenge this week: Lay your YES on the table!

Stop holding back. Stop delaying obedience. Stop deciding who is worthy of God's grace. Trust Him with every part of your life and be willing to be used for His glory.

Our prayer: Lord, change our hearts. Help us to trust You completely, obey You courageously, love others generously, and extend the same grace You have so freely given us.

Additional Scriptures: Philippians 4:12–13; 1 Timothy 1:15; 1 Corinthians 15:9; Ephesians 3:8.

Be an Ananias. Be available. Be obedient. Be the person God uses to change someone else's eternity.