UNDERSTAND THIS DEEPLY, SO THAT GOD CAN USE YOU

One of the greatest qualifications for God to use someone for His special assignments is not simply spiritual gifts, intelligence, or eloquence  but a life of godliness and integrity, a life that is publicly testified to by outsiders. When a person lives in such a way that even unbelievers recognize their reverence for God, their life becomes a platform through which God can minister powerfully. So much so, that if God speaks His word through such a person, many will believe  not only because of the message, but because of the life behind the message.

When we reach that level of godly testimony, then we can expect God to reveal many things to us, and to entrust us with deeper assignments in His Kingdom. A great example of this is found in the life of Ananias, a lesser known disciple, whom God chose for a highly significant task: to minister to the newly converted Saul of Tarsus (later known as the Apostle Paul).

You might ask: were there no other Christians near the house where Saul was staying in Damascus? Why would God send Ananias  seemingly from a distance  to such a man?

The answer is this: yes, other believers were nearby, but God knew that in order for Paul’s transformation to be fully received and believed by others, he needed someone respected, godly, and well known for faithfulness to be the first to affirm him and minister to him. That person was Ananias.

Let’s read what happened:

Acts 9:10–17 (NKJV)

10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”
11 So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying.
12 And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.”
13 Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem.
14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.”
15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.
16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”
17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

Now you may ask: Where exactly is Ananias’ reputation for godliness written in Scripture? It is clearly affirmed by Paul himself when giving his testimony before the Jewish council in Jerusalem:

Acts 22:12–16 (NKJV)

12 “Then a certain Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good testimony with all the Jews who dwelt there,
13 came to me; and he stood and said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And at that same hour I looked up at him.
14 Then he said, ‘The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth.
15 For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard.
16 And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’”

So, we see clearly: Ananias’ godly reputation among the Jews made him the ideal vessel for this critical assignment. In the same way, our good reputation among others, as believers, becomes a powerful bridge for God to use us for greater assignments.

But if we claim to be “servants of God,” yet our neighborhoods know us for sexual immorality, gossip, or insulting language  how can we expect God to trust us with His word?

How can God use us like He used Daniel, if we are Christians who steal at work, cheat, or live double lives?

Daniel’s Example

Daniel, though holding a high governmental office in Babylon  a pagan kingdom  remained completely faithful and blameless. Because of his unshakable integrity, God gave him visions and prophetic insights that still instruct us today.

Daniel 6:4 (NKJV)
“So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him.”

If Daniel could live such a pure life in a corrupt system, what excuse do we have today?

Another important point: how we dress and present ourselves matters. If we claim to be followers of Christ, yet we appear in public wearing clothes that are disrespectful or immodest, how will people respect us  let alone believe our message?

We must remember that:

2 Corinthians 3:2 (NKJV)
“You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men.”

We are living letters  walking messages  that people observe every day. If they don’t respect us, how can they respect the God we represent?

Let us repent and change, building lives that speak louder than our words. Let us leave behind every habit and attitude that brings shame to the name of Christ. That includes gossiping circles, worldly behaviors, and anything that tarnishes our witness.

When we begin to live testimonies, we attract the attention of God, and He can begin to entrust us with divine assignments  just as He did with Ananias.

May the Lord help us all. Amen.

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