Persevere Through Opposition
The ultimate example of a person who never quit in the face of opposition is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
We so often think and talk about His travels, His love and kindness to all He met and ministered to. For a few minutes, think of all He faced:
God sent Him to a damaged and challenging existence on earth. Jesus had to leave the throne and peace of Heaven to be born as a helpless child. He had to learn how to walk, talk, and exist on this planet. He felt pain and bled just like we do. When He reached His time for ministry, He was enticed and tempted by the devil himself. While out in a desert without food and water, Jesus fought His enemy and got the victory.
Jesus experienced the love of parents and family, but also endured the pain of rejection, slander, and eventual execution on the cruel cross. He was loved by many; however, His earthly enemies falsely accused Him, tortured Him, and crucified Him. Yes, behind it all was satan who wanted to destroy the blessed Son of God.
We know the story, but do you look at the negative portions of His life as well as the positive love, joy, and peace His pictures so often portray?
Life brings challenges and frustrations whether you are the Son of God or an adopted child of God. Jesus knew before His miraculous birth that He would die on that cross for the sins of the world. That means He died for you and for me before we were even thought of or born. God designed the plan for our salvation, for our destiny.
Yes, we endure some late nights of pain and tears; but in the end, God uses our pain, our tears, and our love to bring us to the exact destiny He designed so long ago. We all would like to stay in peace and joy with constant happiness. However, our spiritual growth is formed by the challenges we survive and subsequently share with others as a testimony of God’s goodness, grace, and mercy.
We are instructed to act like God and shape our lives more like Jesus. We are to be the hands, feet, voice, and love of Jesus working through us. To understand and embrace His love, we must focus on the prize, not the agony of the path to get there. Jesus kept His eyes and focus on the other side of the Cross—on His resurrection and the salvation of God’s children. He knew what the prize was and He also knew the price He would have to pay.
Jesus didn’t falter. Jesus didn’t quit! He fulfilled His destiny! He faced His accusers and spoke only the words that came from His Father in Heaven!
When you face your next challenge, think of what He had to do to give you the opportunity to live with Him forever. He had a God-ordained destiny, you have one too.
Don’t quit! Jesus never gave up on you! Don’t you ever even think of giving up on Him!
Instead, reach out for His outstretched hand. Jesus is always there waiting for your prayer. Ask for His help every day. His Holy Spirit is waiting for your request so He can work all things out for your good.
Never, never, never quit!
