Are we willing to be an Answer? - Pastor Amit

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Story of Cindy who was happy since she had a new pair of shoes n new dress. When they read the above verse, she felt led to pray for Rachel who didn't have shoes. In the night she couldn't sleep n eventually realised that she is the answer to the prayer she prayed for Rachel. So she gave away her pair of shoes for her. Are we willing to be an Answer? ““You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:43-48‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Acts 7:58b "witness laid their clothes at the feet of Saul" Acts 7:60b "Saul approved the death of Stephen" Acts 9:1 "Saul was breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples" Saul was persecuting the Church of Jesus... If we meet a person like this in our lives, will we really love them or even pray for them? Think again because Jesus asks us to love our enemies Acts 9:8 "Jesus confronted Saul for persecuting" became blind n helpless Acts 9:9 "Saul was fasting and praying" Acts 9:11 "God sends Ananias telling him that Saul was praying" Saul was going to Damascus to persecute the disciples in whom Ananias was one of them. Acts 9:12 "Saul was given a vision and his prayers were answered" If u were in the place of Ananias, will u still go to pray for that person who killed your brother Stephen? Jonah was asked to go to Nineveh (enemy territory), instead he went to Tarshish... Similarly we too tried running away from Jesus... But Ananias didn't run away. He actually went n prayed for Saul. Acts 9:13 "Ananias is reminding God that Saul is an enemy" Acts 9:12 "Ananias reminded God about Saul's authority n threat" Acts 9:15 "God is giving Ananias an assurance or reassurance about His purpose for Saul's life" Acts 9:16 "God is telling Ananias that Saul is going to suffer for His name hence go n bless them" God has placed us here with a purpose which may be painful for us. Acts 9:17a "Ananias responded in obedience and the first word he spoke was Brother Saul" Acts 9:17b "Acceptance by Ananias into the family" Acts 9:18b "Healing of Saul" Acts 9:18b "A new beginning for Saul -got up and was baptised" One man's obedience to the call of God brought a new beginning for Sail... We are called to obey... We r the answer to the prayers...God wants us to rise up to the call. Reminder from the heart of God to - Reach Out - Go an extra mile - Bless the people - Accept them - Heal them Are you willing to pray? God did not call anyone from Jerusalem (eg: Peter, John etc). God used Ananias who was in Damascus... God has called each one of us God did not ask him to do unusual - Just go and place hands. Your prayer makes a lot of difference.