Have you ever turned God down? Sorry, Lord, but I can't do that. You've got the wrong man/woman. No way no how.
That's what Ananias tried to do (see Acts 9:13-14 - not this guy, Lord. He hates christians! You don't know what you're asking!).
God's response leaves no doubt he disagrees with Ananias:
“Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel." (v. 15).
So Ananias went. I imagine he went kicking and screaming, certain that he was being lured into a trap. Fearful of death itself. And yet, he greeted Saul, the man who had just days before vowed to persecute every christian, man, woman or child, he could find, as "Brother."
My friends, God honored Ananias' obedience. Paul indeed became God's instrument to the Gentiles and their Kings - and to the Jews.
We always have a choice. We can choose obedience, or we can choose sin. In my life, sin sometimes wins. I'm tired. I don't want to talk to anyone else about the Lord. I don't care. I don't listen. And the results are that I'm not blessed. I miss opportunities that would result in deepening my faith.
Listen to what Joshua said when his people were turning from God:
But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.... But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." (Joshua 24:15). Yes, we always have a choice.
One of my favorite verses is found in Daniel 3, when Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego face the fiery furnace unless they denounce their faith:
17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us[c] from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
Even if he does not - even if he does not - we will not disobey. Oh, Lord, give me the heart of these young men! Give me God's heart for the lost. He can use me if only I am available. Who do you want me to serve today, Lord?
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