DON'T RESIST; PERSIST!
- Key Verse
- "You men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did." (Acts 7:51 NASB)
READ THE PASSAGE
Central Truth
When you resist the Holy Spirit's urges, you miss out on letting truth lead you fearlessly.
Reflections
I can be a big coward at times. Like the Israelites and like the Jewish leaders in Stephen's day, I sometimes find myself resisting what the Holy Spirit is telling me and, acting out of fear, sit in my comfort zone and do nothing to make an impact. While there is truth at my fingertips, I choose to hide. Unlike Stephen, I let my fear lead me to passive resistance instead of speaking out in truth. There are many times when I could offer a word of encouragement to someone, write a note, or take action to follow Jesus' example by lifting up people in prayer, and I don't do it.
Where I work, I have many non-believing friends and coworkers who have negative attitudes toward professing Christians. Because I am fearful of them judging me or talking about me behind my back, I resist the opportunity to share my faith or make a spiritual impact in any way. I continue to maintain surface-level relationships and avoid conversations that might lead to something deeper. It's much easier for me to be Jesus to my young students than to my peers who need Him just as much. Am I sacrificing opportunities to share Jesus' love and the impact He's made in my life because I let my fear weaken me?
This passage is a challenge to me as I enter 2010. It's time I choose to model my life after Jesus and the early Christians and make a difference. I can offer to pray for people, I can invite them to church, and I can disassociate from the gossipers. But I have received a precious gift of clarity through my salvation in the form of the Holy Spirit, and I need to listen. It's time to pay it forward.
Discussion Questions
1. When have you found yourself resisting the Holy Spirit's urges?
2. When have you listened? What were the results?
3. Who is someone in your sphere of influence that you can impact right now? Take a minute to pray for that person and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in your next step.
Richard Ford
January 22, 2010 07:15 AM
Erin, Thank you for your sincere candor about a lack of confidence too many of us exhibit in the power and love of Jesus. I pray that you and all of us on the Journey will unconditionally surrender our lives to Jesus and allow Him to give us the power and desire to reach out in love to those in our sphere of influence. Thank you!
susan
January 22, 2010 08:13 AM
I'll be praying for you and all of us to have the courage each day to share our beliefs and listen to the Holy Spirit in all that is in our hearts. I needed this today (how about everyday) but especially today. Thank you.
Adrianne
January 22, 2010 09:37 AM
word! i feel you...
Tori Fowler
January 22, 2010 10:01 AM
Erin- Amen to ALL of that! I teach ESL in Irving, too, only to adults at North Lake College. I face the same situation with coworkers. Thanks for convicting me! Blessings, Tori Fowler
Gary Brandenburg
January 22, 2010 10:19 AM
I was just listening to the Holy Spirit and He told me to give you a message - "Well Done."
jo ann smith
January 22, 2010 10:37 AM
I was thrilled to see your cute picture and reflections. I will pray for you to be able to be the person God meant for you to be. Blessings to you always.
Thad harris
January 22, 2010 03:06 PM
Hello Erin, thank you for your encouragement to me to live in fearless cooperation with the holy spirit! Stephen is an awesome example of living in the face of opposition for the sake of the glory of God. I am moved to act in a situation in my own life. Thank you.
Diane Lafving
January 22, 2010 04:43 PM
Erin, I really enjoyed your entry - you're a natural! Just made me miss you, though. Blessings, Diane
Mitzi
January 25, 2010 06:06 PM
Hey Erin, Just a little slow on my response. I read your entry Friday and realized what a blessing you must be to your coworkers. I'll pray for courage for you as you commit to be bold!