May 2020 — pg. 7
While the COVID-19 health crisis is impacting
each of us in profound and unprecedented
ways, one of the greatest consequences of this worldwide
epidemic is anxiety and fear. The gripping anxiety of not
knowing if we’ll get the virus and the anguish for victims
here in the U.S. and around the world feels overwhelming
to us. Couple that with the uncertainty of knowing when
social distancing regulations will be relaxed, and we can
return to some sense of normalcy. Fear and anxiety have
moved in and are making themselves at home with each
of us.
Thankfully, God’s people have dealt with fear before.
Biblical stories about people who respond despite fear are
powerful reminders for us in this crisis.
One powerful Biblical figure who stands as a godly
example in dealing with this fear is a disciple from
Damascus named Ananias. We’re introduced to Ananias
in Acts 9 (this Ananias is very different from another man
named Ananias we meet in Acts 5).
The scripture tells us that God came to Ananias in a
vision. God tells Ananias to go and minister to a man from
Tarsus named Saul. Ananias pushes back and reminds God
about Saul’s reputation: “Lord,” he answered, “I have heard
many reports about this man and all the harm he has done
to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with
authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on
your name” (Acts 9:13–14).
Up to this point, if ever the early church had an enemy
it was Saul. Saul was there when Stephen was murdered,
giving approval to Stephen’s death (Acts 8:1) and was
passionately committed to destroying the church. Acts 8:3
says that Saul was, “Going from house to house, he dragged
off both men and women and put them in prison.”
We can understand why Ananias would be afraid of Saul.
He knew that going to see Saul would put his life in danger.
What Ananias didn’t know is that Saul met Jesus on the
road to Damascus. Saul was knocked to the ground and
confronted with the reality that he’d been working against
God rather than helping God. Saul heard these words that
would forever change his life and destiny, “I am Jesus,
whom you are persecuting” (Acts 9:5). Saul would never
be the same, and he would be God’s instrument to bring
the gospel to the Gentiles.
God had chosen Ananias to be the instrument of healing
to minister to Saul. After God hears Ananias’ fear, God
tells Ananias, “Go!”
How would Ananias respond? He was afraid and in fear
for his own personal safety. Acts 9:17 tells us how Ananias
responded: “Then Ananias went to the house and entered
it.” Talk about obedience in the face of fear! Ananias
followed God’s command and went to see Saul.
An incredibly compelling scene unfolds as Ananias
meets Saul for the first time: “Placing his hands on Saul,
he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord — Jesus, who appeared to
you on the road as you were coming here — has sent me so
that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’
Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes,
and he could see again” (Acts 9:17–18).
“Biblical stories about
people who respond
despite fear are
powerful reminders for
us in this crisis.”
This fearful Christ-follower was used powerfully by God
to bring healing and the filling of the Holy Spirit to Saul.
God called Ananias to respond in obedience despite his
fear and anxiety.
This is a time for each of us when we’re confronted with
fear and anxiety and our inability to predict what the future
holds. Like Ananias we want to be people who respond in
obedience in the face of our daily fear and anxiety.
Let’s prayerfully consider the following questions:
• How do the hurting people in your circle of influence
know of your love and care for them?
• Understanding that God can handle our anxiety and
fears, have you been able to express your current
feelings to God?
• While being aware of the social distancing guidelines
established for our protection and the protection of
others, how may God be calling you to minister in
new ways during this season?
• How has this time of being sheltered in place caused
you to go deeper with God?
I’m so grateful for fearful followers like Ananias who
remind us that this current reality doesn’t need to prevent
us from accomplishing God’s purposes.+