 On November 27, 2014, I published a Thanksgiving blog called “Remember.” It’s now three Thanksgivings later, and I’m so thankful for God’s faithfulness. This week, I’d like to share my first blog with you:
In the book of Psalm it says, “Remember the wonders he has performed, his miracles, and the rulings he has given” (Psalm 105:5 NLT). David wrote this compelling verse of scripture with a heart of profound thanksgiving. He knew that in order to truly be thankful toward God, he had to remember what God had done in the past to bless him in the current. As David thought about all the wondrous blessings given to him and his ancestors, he found his Lord’s faithfulness to be ever so true.  Today, I’m writing about indirect opposition—opposition from an enemy who desires to keep his or her motives secret. Indeed, Nehemiah finds himself facing indirect opposition from his enemies. And it all begins when these enemies learn of the wall’s completion.
 Jesus gives a man the ability to speak by removing a demon from his midst. His power, they claim, comes from Satan. To that He says, “‘Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall. If Satan is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand? I say this because you claim that I drive out demons by Beelzebul’” (Luke 11:17-18 NIV).
Indeed, nothing divided against itself can prosper. And here’s the problem: I often give myself opposition. Maybe you do, too. Last week, I wrote about the outside opposition Nehemiah and the builders faced as they constructed Jerusalem’s wall. This week, I’m writing about the inside opposition to the wall’s completion.  Pastor Bill Hybels writes one of my favorite quotes. He says, “The pace at which I’ve been doing the work of God is destroying God’s work in me.”
I can’t begin to tell you the truth of this statement. Working for God is one thing. But protecting God’s work in you is something else. Sunday night, I was on fire for Jesus. Student ministry was amazing. God did a work in me. Now, I’m struggling to find the desire to write a column. Why? Because “the pace at which I’ve been doing the work of God is destroying God’s work in me.” |