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Four Ways to Persevere When You Face Opposition

1/26/2017

11 Comments

 
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In the last month, we’ve watched on TV as our new president took the oath of office in the midst of an environment filled with discord. Protestors took to the streets to voice their displeasure with the current state of affairs in our nation. The anger and divisiveness is frankly quite scary. We have people standing firm on three different platforms – liberal, conservative, and completely indifferent. 
I must confess that I don’t stand on any of these platforms. My peace and stability are not impacted by who is in the White House. I serve the King of Kings, and He is always on the throne. 
If I am going to march for anyone, I want to march for Jesus.  But, I am finding that the banner under which I stand has increasingly become viewed as polarizing. Those who stand for Jesus seem to face more and more opposition in our world. 
How can I reach those who oppose the Truth? How can I share the Good News with those who aren’t willing to listen because they are too busy fighting for the here and now when they should be focused on their eternal destiny?
The truth is that those who carry the Light have always faced opposition. All I need to do is open up my Bible and see how those who have gone before me stood strong in troubled times. 

4 Ways to Persevere when You Face Opposition


1. Live a life of integrity: Your life is a billboard for the gospel. Stay humble and yielded to the Spirit so that your life is above reproach. Your countenance and character should be attractive to those who are standing on unsure ground.
  •  “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness  and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us” (Titus 2:7-8).
2. Invest in the lives of the lost: Live out the gospel by loving and caring for those around you who are seeking. Wash feet first, and then speak the truth in love.
  • “We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition. For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness.  We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. Instead, we were like young children among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well” (I Thessalonians 2:1-8).
 

3. Always extend grace: Avoid arguments and work toward peace and reconciliation. Share the truth with kindness trusting that the Holy Spirit will work. 
  • “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will” (II Timothy 2:24-26).
 

4. Meditate on Christ’s work on the cross: No one faced more opposition than our Savior. He took His eyes off the present state of affairs, and He looked ahead to the glory to come. We must do the same. Finish strong. God will reward your faithfulness.
  • “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:1-3).


​My sisters, the time is short. We must hold fast to what we know is true in the midst of strong opposition. Let’s follow Paul’s admonition in I Corinthians 16: Be on guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love. 

About Lyli

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Lyli Dunbar loves teaching.  For 17 years, she mentored teenagers in the Christian school setting, and now she has serves as Associate Director of Curriculum at Trinity International University Florida. Lyli married her Prince Charming in her 40’s and has a heart for encouraging young couples and singles in God’s waiting room.  She enjoys road trips with her husband, connecting with women through Bible study, and reading way too many books. Lyli writes about life lessons and faith on her personal blog. You may also connect with her on Facebook,Twitter, and Pinterest.

If you'd like to read more from this contributor, type her name in the search box on the top right.

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11 Comments
Brenda link
1/27/2017 10:03:54 am

So sad that the hope and life the world needs is the very thing it shuns. Good tips for persevering, Lyli. Thanks for sharing.

Reply
Lyli @3dlessons4life.com link
2/16/2017 01:36:29 pm

We must pray for blind eyes to see and remember that we were blind once, too.

Reply
juanita peoples
12/15/2017 10:54:56 am

you are so right I thank you for all you do and more, I feel it in my spirit that you are truly a Blessing from up above, keep holding on and doing the work of the Lord...I have to teach on Sunday and I'm praying for the words of my mouth be exceptive from on high and that the people of God not look @ me for who I use to be and listen to what the holy spirit had's for me to say. Thank You for listening.

Linda Stoll link
1/30/2017 09:31:19 am

Thank you for your thoughtful, reflective, respectful voice, Lyli. Much needed, much valued right about now ...

Reply
Lyli @3dlessons4life.com link
2/16/2017 01:35:34 pm

Thank you for your kind word, friend. I am so thankful for your wisdom and grace. Your blog is always safe territory. xo

Reply
Liz link
2/2/2017 03:56:52 am

Such wise advice for this present time! I tell you, I have to put my armor on before I hop on facebook anymore. It is so crucial to prepare my heart before I face all that negativity! Blessings to you as you encourage us all to emulate Christ!

Reply
Lyli @3dlessons4life.com link
2/16/2017 01:34:36 pm

I"m with you, girl. #ArmorOn

Reply
Dolly at Soulstops link
2/3/2017 10:47:08 am

Lyli,

Appreciate your wise words...so needed. Blessings :-)

Reply
Lyli @3dlessons4life.com link
2/16/2017 01:34:00 pm

Thank you for stopping by here and leaving some comment love, Dolly! Love you :)

Reply
Betsy de Cruz link
2/9/2017 05:53:46 am

Love these 4 suggestions. So good to remember when conflict is all around us.

Reply
Lyli @3dlessons4life.com link
2/16/2017 01:33:17 pm

Now to live them out with His help! :)

Reply



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  • Home
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