IN YOUR FACE, ADVERSITY
It is inevitable, we will face trials in this life. We will come up against people that will just want to fight us, that will just want to stir up trouble. We must cling to the truth and push through to overcome adversity.
I have recently encountered a situation in which the responses of others hurt me deeply. I chose to honor someone and to ask for advice on a project I was involved with. I was excited to do ministry and to be a part. I tried to gain knowledge and wisdom and honor those that had gone before me in this area. In the process, I got stepped on. Whether on purpose or not, my name was getting thrown around and people were speaking for me and inserting themselves into the work and relationships I was currently trying to build. I felt as though my hard work was coming unglued and drama was brewing.
I confided in my husband about the feelings I was struggling with and he lovingly encouraged me to look inward. As I reflected on my feelings, I discovered that I felt like my purpose was being stomped on. I felt as though someone was stealing all of my hard work and ruining the relationships I worked for. I was even more mad and felt betrayed because they were working behind my back and speaking for me. I didn't want to be seen poorly by others and I didn't want to be associated with the drama. I didn't want the only ministry that I was able to do (outside of parenting my three littles) to be taken out of my hands. What purpose would I have then?!
I was reminded by scripture that it is NOT about me! My purpose does not lie in ministry or the things I accomplish. I can't control my situations or others (so frustrating) but could only control how I handled things. I had been letting this situation discourage me from life in general and was making me want to give up. God wants me to continue in the face of adversity with a pure heart and a kind attitude. His purpose is greater than my own plans and agenda.
" It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? the important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. "
Phillipians 1: 15-18 NIV
Remember that the gospel being preached and people coming to know God is the only goal. It does not matter how or if you are involved. It does not matter if you ever receive recognition or whether your ideas are used or discarded. At the end of the day, if God wins then so do we.
