Obeying God can stretch us because it often requires leaving our comfort zones. This fosters spiritual growth by deepening our faith and by trusting His wisdom more than our own. Although challenging, this “holy stretch” encourages us to go beyond self-reliance. It can foster a deep dependence on the Holy Spirit and lead to increased blessings and personal growth. Ananias faced this kind of holy stretching when he heard the Lord call him to minister to Saul, who later became Paul in the New Testament.
In Damascus, a believer named Ananias heard the Lord in a vision. The Lord told him to go to Straight Street, to Judas’s house, and find Saul from Tarsus, who was praying. God also revealed to Saul a vision of Ananias coming to heal him so he could see again.[1]
Acts 9:13“But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! 14 And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.” [2] Like many people, as we respond to the Lord’s voice, it may not make sense in the natural because we don’t know what God knows and must simply walk by faith.
Who Knows Better Than God?
One of humanity’s greatest sins is thinking we know more than God. This often results in rebellion against God’s instructions. When we accept His commands by faith, we step into the boat of trust as Ananias did. This doesn’t mean it is easy. Initially, Ananias questioned God. He probably doubted that Saul could ever become a follower of Jesus.
Despite these justified feelings, Ananias obeyed God and ministered to Saul. Ananias shows that true wisdom is not trusting our own judgment but humbly obeying God. Obedience is required even when His commands challenge our thinking. In our Christian walk, we must surrender to God, trust His greater perspective, and act in faithful obedience. In doing so, our willingness to obey may become part of His redemptive work in someone else’s life.
Why Obeying God Matters
Obeying God isn’t merely about following rules or adhering to instructions. It’s about building a life grounded in faith, trust, and a sincere relationship with Him. Obedience to God shapes every area of our lives. It demonstrates our faith in His plan and offers a way to live with purpose, peace, and hope in the promises of eternity.
Choosing to obey God brings us closer to Him, just as strengthening a relationship with a trusted friend or parent involves listening to and following their advice. In the same way, Ananias had to move from fear of Saul to faith in God’s word—reminding us that sometimes our own transition of trust is connected to someone else’s transformation.
To learn more of how obeying God can stretch us, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/transition-follows-transformation
[1] Summary of Acts 9:10-12 from the Holy Bible
[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ac 9:13–14). Tyndale House Publishers.