The words were carefully chosen, and tactful: “Palitha, you may have difficulty in continuing with the choir.” 

Something similar was said to me by our Choir Director, one of my closest mentors.

I had always loved music, and one of the first ministries I signed up for after accepting Jesus was the choir. But now, unpleasant news was being broken to me: Apparently, I had a problem correctly pitching musical notes.

As I look back upon that encounter, what I remember most is the grace and love with which the Choir Director handled what was obviously a difficult task. I might otherwise have given up on ministry altogether.

Many times in our Christian service, we have to handle what may seem like unpleasant tasks. These could include encouraging a terminally ill patient, breaking the news of a death to a family, conducting the funeral of a child, responding to a harsh critic, sharing the Gospel with someone who is antagonistic towards Christianity, or correcting someone in love.

But when God assigns us to such a task, it is vital that we obey Him.

Ananias’ assignment

In the Book of Acts, we come across a respected disciple whose name is not often mentioned. Yet, what he was called to do – though unpleasant for him – would impact Christianity forever. 

Ananias was directed by God to minister to Saul, the deadliest enemy of the Christian faith. Saul had just arrived in his town, Damascus, with a clear agenda. It was to arrest and chain all Christians. (Acts 9:10-16)

When Ananias was commissioned by God to go and pray for Saul, who was now blinded (Acts 9:8-9), it would have been a task he wouldn’t have wanted. He probably would have been in hiding when the Lord spoke to him in a vision.

Ananias argued the matter with God, since his knowledge of how the Lord had met Saul on the Damascus road would have been hazy. I can only imagine the tension he went through!

However, he handled his assignment with incredible grace. He fearlessly approached Saul and called him by the loving term, “brother”. He laid hands on Saul, praying for his sight to be restored and for him to be filled with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 9:17-19)

Saul was baptised, and some days later, after being with the disciples, he immediately began preaching about Jesus!

What a testimony for a man whose ministry is recorded in just two passages in the Bible!

Many years later, Saul, now known as Paul, would speak endearingly of how Ananias ministered to him on that eventful day. (Acts 22:12-16) He remembered Ananias’ role in his now-powerful ministry.

Coming back to my choir story, the Director and a few others worked tirelessly with me to help me overcome my singing difficulties. The end result was that I graduated to singing harmony in the choir, leading worship at church services, and serving for many years as Worship Pastor!

Ananias handled an unpleasant task with grace. May God help us to do likewise!