Ananias: Available and Obedient

What should you do when God calls you to step outside your comfort zone and help someone else? In this Sunday message from October 18, 2026, Patrick Lewis, media coordinator for the Martinsburg Union Rescue Mission, taught from Acts 9:10–19 on Ananias, an ordinary disciple who made himself available to God.

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel.

Acts 9:15 (KJV)

Available to God’s call

Patrick began by asking the congregation to remember when they were first saved, and who took time to build them up in faith. Ananias was an everyday disciple living in Damascus, yet when God spoke, he answered simply, “Yes, Lord.” God gave him exact directions to the street called Straight and the house of Judas to find Saul of Tarsus. Patrick noted that if God told someone to drive down King Street in Martinsburg and look for a specific house, there would be no confusion about where to go.

Ananias did not just show up out of nowhere; he was already living a faithful life. Paul later described Ananias as a devout man who had a great reputation among all the believers in the city. “And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there” (Acts 22:12).

Honest prayer and real fear

Obeying God is not always easy. Saul had traveled roughly 150 miles from Jerusalem—a walk of six to eight days on foot—purely out of hatred, carrying letters to arrest Damascus believers. Patrick described Saul before his conversion as being like “Dog the Bounty Hunter for Christians.” Ananias had real reasons to be afraid of this man, and he laid out his concerns plainly before the Lord.

God did not push Ananias away for having doubts. Patrick explained, “Faith allows us to speak honestly about our fears while still remaining obedient.” God acknowledged Saul’s violent past, but He told Ananias to go anyway because He had chosen Saul to carry His name to kings and nations.

Welcoming a brother

Following Jesus does not mean life becomes painless. Scripture teaches that enduring hardship for the gospel is actually a privilege granted by God. “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake” (Philippians 1:29). Patrick reminded the room, “Our trust becomes visible when we enter the world of obedience to God.” When Ananias entered the house, he did not demand an apology or scold Saul; he laid his hands on him and called him “Brother Saul.”

Patrick shared that after coming to faith while in jail, he came to the Martinsburg Union Rescue Mission nearly thirteen years ago. When he visited a church wearing shorts and Crocs, an usher stopped him at the door and told him to sit in the very back pew. Patrick, who keeps a painting of the sheet music for “It Is Well” in his office, stressed that believers must welcome people with open arms rather than judging their clothes or background.

Passing on the truth

Because Ananias obeyed, the gospel moved across spiritual generations. Later in life, Paul told Timothy from a prison cell to commit the message to faithful people who could teach others also. “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). Patrick urged us to walk alongside people in daily life, whether that means meeting someone at Spring Mills Diner after church to answer Bible questions, or continuing to pray for family. He mentioned texting a church invitation every time he preaches to his own brother, who is a nihilist atheist.

To keep our walk honest before the Lord, Patrick recommended a simple habit: draw a line down a journal page each night. Write how you honored God on one side, and how you dishonored Him on the other, and bring it to God in prayer the next morning.

Think of someone in your life whom you have hesitated to reach out to, or an area where fear is keeping you from doing what God asked. This week, take an honest step of obedience. Reach out to encourage them, invite them to sit with you, or write down where God is asking you to trust Him more.

Are you looking for a church family where you can grow in faith and be welcomed just as you are? Plan your visit. We would love to meet you this Sunday.

Related messages: Pursuing Christ Daily, The Apostle Paul, Faithful to the Finish, Grace That Restores, Not Shames.