Take today’s next step: Trying to share your faith but discouraged by a lack of success? It could be that your definition of successful witnessing is incorrect. We can help with that.
“We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.” (Colossians 1:11-12, NLT)
The word endurance suggests resistance. If there were no resistance – there would be no need for endurance. “Endure” means taking a strong stance and not giving up hope when obstacles or opposition confronts you.
Sometimes, there is more at stake than we realize.
An outreach team met with women in the secure unit of a local prison. One particular inmate consistently demonstrated her obvious agitation – making fun, interrupting, causing disturbance. Her behavior discouraged the team, making it hard to endure. She stopped attending, then a few months later, she returned with a story. While she was alone in her cell God met her. She poured out her heart to the Savior – the Savior she didn’t want to admit she needed. She regretted her behavior and repented – to the Lord and to the team she disrespected with her comments.
They were stunned. They had persevered in the midst of the opposition not knowing that the Lord was working and drawing this woman to Himself. The Scriptures she mocked penetrated her heart. There were eternal consequences to pushing through.
What the enemy uses against us to bring discouragement or deter our course, God can use to make us strong, mature, and immovable. He can use it to make our character more like Jesus.
As a friend who is facing incredible opposition said to me today, “I need to run to Jesus and get on my knees”. We need His protection and strength. We need His perspective and courage. We need His love and assurance. We need to surrender in the midst of the opposition and trust that the battle is His. He is more than capable of fighting for us and protecting us.
Remember, the name of the Lord is a strong tower that the righteous can run to and be safe. (Proverbs 18:10) No matter where you are walking, you can be secure under the shadow of His wings (Psalm 91:1,2) and He can help you endure the opposition (Isaiah 41:10) in order for His Kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven!
Lord, strengthen me with all Your glorious power so that I will have all the endurance and patience I need. Fill me with Your joy as I give thanks to You Father continuously. Help me live in Your light. Thank you for purchasing my freedom and forgiveness. Amen!
Question: In what ways do you need to be strengthened?
http://powertochange.com/blogposts/2013/03/15/in-the-face-of-opposition/
No comments:
Post a Comment