Challenges
Posted By Paula Wiseman on February 5, 2010
Jesus had some real challenges in His ministry. We tend to think because He was God that everything clicked along smoothly. Everything DID click along according to plan, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it was smooth. He said we shouldn’t expect any better treatment than He got. Reading Mark 3 this morning, I saw a picture of ministry.Jesus had some real challenges in His ministry. We tend to think because He was God that everything clicked along smoothly. Everything DID click along according to plan, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it was smooth. He said we shouldn’t expect any better treatment than He got. Reading Mark 3 this morning, I saw a picture of ministry.
- People will take advantage of your time and attention. Verse 20 said Jesus couldn’t even grab time to eat.
- People will question everything about your ministry. Verse 21, Jesus’ own people, His family and friends questioned His sanity.
- People will misattribute your motives. In verse 22, the religious leaders reasoned that Jesus had to be in league with Beelzebub.
If ministry wasn’t tough enough, what makes it more difficult is that these same people…
- May be part of the respected religious establishment (v.22)
- May believe they have your best interests at heart (v.21)
- May be well meaning (v.31)
- May be your closest associates, perhaps even family (v.32)
I tend to take opposition as a sure sign that I’m headed the wrong direction. That’s not always the case. I need to take the time in prayer and study to confirm with God. Once the confirmation comes, I can’t second-guess that.
The flip-side is a warning to be very careful before questioning or criticizing another’s ministry. I can’t presume to know how God is directing someone else.
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=74d3ddd9-68ee-4093-95dd-b17a86574757)
Related posts:
Born in Ashland, KY during the Summer of Love, raised and educated in the Commonwealth. I met Jesus Christ on Mother's Day 1975, and I've followed Him on an incredible journey. I've wandered off the path more than once, but He waited patiently for me each time, and welcomed me back. In 1992, He gave me the MOST incredible gift- my husband, Jon, then He followed that in 1997, 2000 and 2006 with three beautiful kids (and they are, not just because they are mine). These days He's giving me the opportunity to write, homeschool and raise those little ones.
My favorite, Favorite quote in this whole thing and one that I will remember is that opposition does not mean the wrong way! That is amazing and something I need to remember. It may occasionally mean the wrong way, but against the flow can be a good thing. Since we are sanctified and set apart…we just need to keep on swimming! Thanks for the post!
Wow, Paula, these are terrific insights! Excellent material here. It really will make me think the next time I feel opposition. And I pray I can be careful about criticizing others, too. Great post.
Thanks Kelly, but I can’t take much credit. The post wrote itself. It was a total God-thing.