Today’s devotion reminds us that we often act like Ananias. When assigned a task, we might complain, perhaps because we focus on our own capabilities. Our service shouldn’t be centered on people; people will always let us down, including ourselves. Instead, if we focus our service on God, nothing can keep us from serving the Lord.

Bible Reading of the Day

AM – Job 16-18

PM – Acts 9:1-22

Title: Our Prejudice Limits Our Effectiveness

Acts 9:13 KJV

Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem.

I remember a time when the late Pastor Selva and I used to distribute tracts near the Farrer Park MRT station. Suddenly, I heard a loud argument between Pastor Selva and another man. Pastor Selva was about 6.2 feet tall, and the other man was a bit taller. I quickly ran to them and heard my pastor say, “Here, my pastor will talk to him.” I looked at him, and without a word, he winked at me, indicating that he wanted me to share the gospel with the man.

This man looked furious, and aside from his height, I felt like a dwarf standing between two giants. Even though I was afraid to speak with him, I gently asked what he was arguing about. I learned that he was arguing about truth. He then told me that if I believed the gospel was true, I shouldn’t stop spreading it until the whole world knew. I was shocked, but I composed myself and began sharing the gospel with him. Although I don’t remember his exact response, I’m sure he professed acceptance of Christ as his Saviour.

I just finished preaching at a Bible Conference here in Fiji, and the subject was “Soulwinning.” One of the topics I discussed was that many Christians are hesitant to share the Gospel because of fear of rejection. Some even think that, because they are Fijians, they are unlikely to listen to a foreigner like me. I rejected that notion right away and told them that we need to get rid of that kind of prejudice. What is needed is a willing heart and our availability to be used in the ministry of soulwinning. The Word of God knows no races! In fact, the command given to us is to go and preach the Gospel to every creature.

Many times, we behave like Ananias, knowing the person and afraid to minister to them. But little do we know, they’re just waiting for us to approach them and tell them the wondrous story of Christ’s marvellous work on the Cross of Calvary – that He died for all, and whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. Yes, we may ask, “Why me, Lord?” We may not get the answer today, but one day, when we see Him face-to-face, we’ll thank Him for the ministry and work He entrusted to us!

Let’s go and tell the world that Jesus Saves without prejudice!