A Letter from Ananias of Damascus: The Power of Being Ready, Willing, and Available

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As I pen this letter from Damascus, the city’s ancient walls bear silent witness to a story of faith, courage, and transformation that unfolded here – a story that not only changed my life but also shaped the course of Christian history. You might have heard of me, Ananias, not to be confused with others of the same name in our sacred texts. I am simply Ananias of Damascus, a believer called to serve in tumultuous times.

About five years have passed since the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the landscape of our faith is under siege. The powers that be, both Jewish authorities and Roman officials, have unleashed a reign of terror to extinguish the flame of our burgeoning faith. Among the most feared is Saul of Tarsus, a name synonymous with the persecution and death of many followers of The Way.

Then came the day when my Lord, in a vision, directed me to a task that seemed more like a death sentence. He asked me to meet Saul, the very man hunting us down. The irony wasn't lost on me – meeting a notorious persecutor in the dead of night on a street ironically named Straight. The Lord’s sense of humor was both perplexing and terrifying.

But here's the crux of my message to you: In serving our Lord, the path is seldom easy or safe. He often calls us to actions that defy logic, that test our faith to its core. Yet, in these moments of trial, we are reminded that our God is not a God of comfort zones. He is a God who challenges, reshapes, and uses us for His glorious purposes.

When the Lord told me that Saul was His chosen instrument, to bring His name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel, I was dumbfounded. How could a man responsible for so much pain and suffering be chosen for such a holy task? But who am I to question God’s wisdom? In obedience, I went to Saul, laid my hands upon him, and watched in awe as something like scales fell from his eyes, restoring his sight – both physical and spiritual.

Saul’s baptism that followed was a testament to the transformative power of Christ. The persecutor became the preacher, the hunter became the hunted, and the story of Saul – who you now know as Paul, the Apostle – began.

This experience taught me a profound lesson: to be ready, willing, and available for God’s calling, no matter how daunting. Look at Noah, who built an ark amidst ridicule; Abraham, who left his homeland on faith alone; Moses, who led a nation despite his self-doubt – all were ready, willing, and available for God. And then there’s me, Ananias, an ordinary believer who played a small yet pivotal role in God’s grand narrative.

I urge you, dear brothers and sisters, to embrace this mindset. Be ready to step out of your comfort zone, willing to trust in God’s plan, and available to act when He calls. Remember, our God is not a passive observer. He is actively involved in our lives, guiding, shaping, and using us for His divine purposes.

As you walk in your faith journey, may you find the courage to say “yes” to God, even when it leads you into the unknown. May you trust in His wisdom, even when the path ahead seems fraught with danger and uncertainty. And may you always remember that in God’s economy, no act of faith, no matter how small, goes unnoticed or unused.

In closing, I leave you with this thought: the Christian life is not a call to safety and predictability. It is a call to bold faith, courageous action, and unwavering trust in a God who writes stories far greater than we could ever imagine. Be ready, be willing, be available – for in this, you will find the true essence of living a life in service to our Lord.

In Christ’s Service,

Ananias of Damascus

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