Romans 5:3-5 NKJV – ‘And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.’
Deuteronomy 20:1 NKJV – ‘When you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the Lord your God is with you, who brought you up from the land of Egypt.’
Maybe you can relate to this line of thinking; When the Lord gives me direction, I expect an obstacle-free, linear pathway. Obstacle free makes so much sense because God is all powerful so if there is something He wants me to do, He has the ability to make it easy. If he can make it easy for me, of course He would do it…right? Wrong.
The reality is that when we are following God’s direction, we may be met with resistance. Resistance can sometimes be a tool the enemy uses to confuse and deter us from being obedient. But resistance can also be a tool that God uses to grow our faith in Him and our character.
In Deuteronomy 20, we see the Israelites receiving instructions on how to govern their warfare against other nations. God warned them that their enemies were going to fight back and that they would have more soldiers and resources than the Israelites. But then God also encouraged them to not be afraid because He was with them. God’s presence didn’t mean the battles would be easy but it did mean that victory was theirs if they trusted and obeyed Him.
Similarly, the Lord may instruct us to do things that seem impossible such as forgiving someone who seems unforgivable, evangelizing to someone who is strongly averse to the Christian faith, or taking on a job, class or task that we feel ill-prepared and unqualified for.
Just because God has instructed us to do it, does not mean it will be easy. But His presence is an assurance that we have the grace to be obedient no matter how strong the resistance may be.
In such times, it is important to recognize that our help comes from God. He gives us the ability and strength to be obedient and keep pushing, but we have to receive it through prayer, fellowship with Him and reading the Word. We can trust that He has our best interest at heart.
PRAYER: Lord, help me to trust you even in the face of various types of resistance. Help me to not be confused or deceived into disobedience but rather to be built up in the faith by You through Your grace, in Jesus’ name, Amen.