Handling Resistance

I am in Birmingham, Alabama today. It is day four of the 10-day Civil Rights Pilgrimage that I am on with some local pastors and lay-leaders from our community. So, below is a blog that I wrote back in January of 2018. The title caught my attention this morning and I think the wisdom shared is still relevant, hopeful, and helpful for us all. I trust you will agree!
 
So far in 2018, we have established that this will be a year of us becoming better together.  I have been encouraged by the many who have responded positively to this theme and preaching series. There is no doubt that God will meet us all along the way and give us wisdom, favor, grace, and peace. And there is also no doubt that we will encounter some resistance along the way. Change and growth always come with pains.

When you decide that you want to improve in any area of life, you open yourself up to pressure and opposition. Nevertheless, you much remember that “…the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.” (1 John 4:4(b)) This means that we have help to overcome every opposition and guaranteed victory over every enemy.

Handle any resistance that comes your way with the word of God.  Study the scriptures to find verses that you can claim and confess regularly. We can also handle resistance by aligning ourselves with others. As I mentioned on last Sunday, when we prioritize togetherness, we will have people to help us get back up when we fall. It may become difficult to stay on the path towards better. If it does, do not hesitate to lean on another sister or brother.

If there is a load you have to bear, that you can't carry.
I'm right up the road, I'll share your load,
if you just call me (call me). Lean on me!

Loving and praying for you,
Pastor Danielle