TNL: Resistance

When we do God's work, we will inevitably encounter resistance, obstacles, or trials that seek to hinder us and get us off track.

One does have to wonder if the resistance is from God or from the enemy. It is possible that God may send resistance because we are seeking our own will and not God's will.

But if you know that you are seeking God's will, then the resistance we encounter is due to our pursuit of God's will.

As we see the next level...

I. Expect Resistance and Embrace the Challenge: It's bound to happen, but when it does see i
t as an opportunity to overcome and conquer for the glory of God. Personally, I love a challenge, I thrive on it.

(see Ezra 4:1-15; Nehemiah 4:1-8; Nehemiah 6; Hebrews 13:16-18)

II. Pray first, then try harder and trust in God: How do you respond? What's your gut reaction? For me, I usually panic and stress and consider all the worse case scenarios.

(see Ezra 10:1; Nehemiah 2:4-5; Nehemiah 4:4; Nehemiah 4:6, 9, 14; Nehemiah 6:9; Philippians 4:6-7)

III. Activate God's Grace and keep climbing: How do balance what God is suppose to do and what we are suppose to do? Some have a mentality of "let go and let God" and it's as if let go of the steering wheel and assume God is going to drive. Some have a mentality that we need to drive and make sure God just enjoys the ride in the backseat. I've been learning that God will do His part, and we need to active God's grace by doing our part.

(see Nehemiah 4:16-23; Nehemiah 6:15-16; Ephesians 2:8-10; James 1:19-27)

As a fairly new church plant, the next level may initially sound like it's a church strategy about how to grow our church bigger. In actuality, church growth is the fruit. Jesus never commands us to "bear fruit" in John 15, but rather he exhorts us to "remain in Him" and the spiritual result of this abiding is fruitfulness. I feel a strong conviction that it's the same way for The Vine. Everyone must remain in Christ and take their spiritual journey to the next level. That is our mission and focus for this year. I truly believe that we need to grow "Big People" for Jesus. I fully trust in whatever God's blessings are in store.

On a personal note, I've been really understanding how important it is to "do less and be more." It is so true that we are "human beings" and yet I live like a "human doing". Now consider that I am a highly driven individual that thrives off of "doing a lot." So for me to practice the discipline of "rest or sabbath", it's counter intuitive. And yet, God has designed for His people to work 6 days, and rest 1. My genetics also believes in this principle. It's as if my body was made to work 6 and to rest 1.

The next level is really about less doing and its more about being. Praise the Lord.