4 Ways to Persevere When You Face Opposition
In the last month, we’ve watched on TV as our new president took the oath of office in the midst of an environment filled with discord. Protestors took to the streets to voice their displeasure with the current state of affairs in our nation. The anger and divisiveness is frankly quite scary. We have people standing firm on three different platforms – liberal, conservative, and completely indifferent.
I must confess that I don’t stand on any of these platforms. My peace and stability are not impacted by who is in the White House. I serve the King of Kings, and He is always on the throne. If I am going to march for anyone, I want to march for Jesus. But, I am finding that the banner under which I stand has increasingly become viewed as polarizing. Those who stand for Jesus seem to face more and more opposition in our world.
How can I reach those who oppose the Truth? How can I share the Good News with those who aren’t willing to listen because they are too busy fighting for the here and now when they should be focused on their eternal destiny?
The truth is that those who carry the Light have always faced opposition. All I need to do is open up my Bible and see how those who have gone before me stood strong in troubled times.
4 Ways to Persevere when You Face Opposition
Live a life of integrity
Your life is a billboard for the gospel. Stay humble and yielded to the Spirit so that your life is above reproach. Your countenance and character should be attractive to those who are standing on unsure ground.
“In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us” (Titus 2:7-8).
Invest in the lives of the lost
Live out the gospel by loving and caring for those around you who are seeking. Wash feet first, and then speak the truth in love.
“We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition. For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. Instead, we were like young children among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well” (I Thessalonians 2:1-8).
Always extend grace
Avoid arguments and work toward peace and reconciliation. Share the truth with kindness trusting that the Holy Spirit will work.
“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will” (II Timothy 2:24-26).
Meditate on Christ’s work on the cross
No one faced more opposition than our Savior. He took His eyes off the present state of affairs, and He looked ahead to the glory to come. We must do the same. Finish strong. God will reward your faithfulness.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:1-3).
My friends, the time is short. We must hold fast to what we know is true in the midst of strong opposition. Let’s follow Paul’s admonition in I Corinthians 16: Be on guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.
Let’s Talk: Do you have additional ways to persevere to share? I’d love to hear your heart on this subject.
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