All Opposed?

“A very important opportunity has come for me to be effective through many people are against me.” Acts 16:9 (Simple English Bible)

Trying to be effective is a costly business! I think at some level, we all try to save ourselves hassles and extra work in order to move ahead with as little effort as possible. Sometimes, it comes back to haunt us, too. Most times, we feel as if we are in control and that the way we are working is the most effective and least costly. I remember having to redo work on my car because I took a shortcut!

God places opportunities in our pathway for us to praise His Son’s name. But there can also be opposition, reams of paperwork and unpleasant experiences along the way. I have witnessed many Christians giving up halfway to the goal because they become discouraged and weren’t prepared for the full court press. When the going got tough, the initial resolve faded. When Jesus was preparing to feed 5,000 men with five loaves and two fish, He first prayed to His Father before any work began. His first reaction was to give thanks and allow God to use His power to accomplish the rarest event in the world: a miracle!

We will struggle. We will become discouraged. We will wonder if what we are doing is effective. And I believe that sometimes, opposition hones our skills and sharpens our wits.

And we keep going!

Steve