This week in our study of Nehemiah, we were introduced to
several men who made it their job to oppose Nehemiah at every front. I have
continued to think about that for several days. It is interesting to me that,
seemingly, every time we try to do something positive, there will be
opposition. Sometimes this opposition comes from people, sometimes
circumstance, and sometimes it is simply our own emotions and doubts that get
us.
As I have given consideration to this, two things keep
coming to mind. First, our battle is not against flesh and blood, regardless of
who is standing in front of you. Scripture says, “For we do not wrestle against
flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the
cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in
the heavenly realms” (Eph. 6:12). Simply put, our battle is not against the
individual who may oppose us, or the situation, or even against our own
feelings. The battle goes much deeper than that.
Second of all, I have been reminded that such opposition can
only defeat a God given task if I allow it. Scripture says, “We are afflicted
in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;
persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying
around the death of Jesus in our body, so that the life of Jesus also should be
manifested in our body” (2 Cor. 4:8-10).
My prayer for you is that you will discover your God given
calling. I pray that you will have the courage to pursue it, just as Nehemiah
did. However, I also hope you will be aware that, just like Nehemiah, you will
face opposition. Do not let this opposition stop you. Certainly, you can pause
to pray and make sure we are on the right course, but once you have that assurance,
you must press forward.
I am excited to see what God is going to do in the days ahead;
in your lives as individuals, but in our church as a whole. May we continue to
shine His light with great passion and focus.
Honored to be your pastor,
Darrell
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