Obedience for Others

​I stood, staring at the elder of our church, puzzled and a bit overwhelmed. Immediately upon hearing the words he prophesied over my husband and I, I thought, “God, is this You? Is this really what You want us to do?” Knowing that these were rhetorical questions, I expected no answer that moment. Much to my surprise, I heard a firm but gentle “yes” resonate in my Spirit.
 
God had charged my husband and I with a word of authority. He sent knowledge through another Christ-bearer, that would change the way we lived. More importantly, it would enable us to change the lives of those around us. He had charged us to go and to make disciples in our region. He had instructed us to “be ready, because in three years time, you both will be leading, teaching, and guiding others throughout South Georgia.”

​As hesitant as I am to admit, this charge from the Lord scared the living daylights out of me. After we had had time to process what the Lord had spoken to us, I couldn’t help but ponder on the instrumental role that Ananias had played in Paul's story.
 
Acts 9 tells us that Saul had been persecuting Jews, killing them, and doing so in the name of the Lord. However, the Lord intervened and spoke to Saul on his way to Damascus. He convicted him of the persecution of His people and, leaving him blind, instructed him to enter Damascus. There, the Lord spoke to Ananias regarding Saul. Ananias was a man that, before that day, Saul would have persecuted and killed had he had the chance. The Lord instructed Ananias to go and to lay hands on Saul, restoring his sight so that the Lord could use him to proclaim His very name to the Gentiles.
 
Ananias protested at first, and secretly, I’m pleased that he did! After all, Saul was responsible for the deaths of many who shared his own prerogative. Yet, Ananias was steadfast, and obedient to the charge of the Lord. Because of his obedience, another was saved — Saul, who would become Paul. Ananias took hold of what the Lord instructed him, and a movement was set into motion. The works of the Kingdom followed swiftly as Saul took on a new purpose.
 
With great obedience comes great reward, not just for ourselves, but for those around us. I was reminded that to walk into the proclamation the Lord had spoken over us, would mean that so many others would come to know our Savior as we did.
 
Is there something God has asked you to do, but you’re frozen in fear today? Maybe it’s changing your career, starting a ministry, or sacrificing part of your weekend to help someone in need.
 
Jesus is inviting us to take part in His great mission. We will never know how much hangs in the balance of our obedience (or lack thereof). Imagine if Ananias had responded to the Lord with “no.”
 
If we, as His disciples, remain obedient and ready ourselves, how much more can be done for the Kingdom? Let’s set our minds on obedience to Christ’s mission to “go and make disciples of all nations”. The benefit to our brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as the Kingdom, is endless.

Memory Verse: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19 (NIV)

About the Author

Hi there! My name is Breanna Faith Spearman. I'm a mom who's on fire for God and loves to share His Word. I've been married now for four years to my wonderful husband. God has abundantly blessed us, as we welcomed our rainbow baby boy, Matthew in June 2020.

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