Ananias played a significant part in helping Saul come to know Jesus. From this, we can see that God can use obscure people. We only hear of Ananias in this chapter. Saul, later known as Paul, was a key evangelist in the early church. One would assume that someone like Peter or one of the other early apostles should be the one to minister to Saul. This wasn’t what God did.
Fame is not the important thing here; faithfulness is. Many unknown people have influenced famous Christian leaders. We may not know these influencers, but God knows them and will reward them. 1 Corinthians 4: 5 So don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time—before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due.[1]
The Nobodies Behind the Famous
God has used faithful people to guide His chosen people for leadership throughout church history. John Staupitz led Martin Luther, the great reformer, to faith. John Egglen was instrumental in the conversion of C. H. Spurgeon. Edward Kimball was a shoe salesman and D.L. Moody’s spiritual mentor. Mordecai Ham was a little-known evangelist who preached the night that Billy Graham surrendered his life to Christ.[2]
We recognize the names of the famous Christian leaders but not the names of those behind them. Even if the public has never recognized them for their part, God knows each heart. We have no idea how God may use us to reach one that will, in turn, reach millions. God only asks us to be faithful to His call.
Are You a Nobody?
If you are a yielded, faithful believer, you qualify to be used by God. You don’t have to be a famous preacher, seminary scholar, or well-known celebrity. You can simply be the person God created you to be in the place God has put you. While our culture focuses on fame, God doesn’t think like us.
1 Corinthians 1: 26 Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. 27 Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. 28 God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. 29 As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God. [3]
Don’t limit God; He can do the impossible. Be ready and listen to His instructions because God can use obscure people. To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/god-arrests-saul
[1,3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] Barton, B. B., & Osborne, G. R. (1999). Acts (p. 155). Tyndale House.