My mentor shared with me the story of her transformation. After God hadset her free her from various behaviors that had been keeping her in bondage, she was surprised to experience an intense time when her family and friends were not very happy with her new way of living. Her new-found strength, boundaries, and inner growth were not accepted among those who wanted her to stay the same and avoid disrupting the status quo. But she was strongly committed to the freedom God had given her. Gratefully she did not quit when she faced pushback, and she has continued to be an inspiring instrument of hope, healing, and new life to the many women she serves and guides.
Jesus is the perfect model to inspire us to continue to serve and shine despite encountering various kinds of resistance. In today's Gospel (Matthew 8:28-34), we hear the story of Jesus visiting the territory where He drives out drives out demons from two people who were preventing use of a particular road in that town. And despite Jesus' mighty deeds and all the good He is doing bringing freedom and new life, the people of the town beg Him to leave.
Jesus knows well the resistance we can face when doing good work, especially when we are involved in work that brings healing, freedom, and light.
There are some people who may not be ready or willing to receive what you have to say and offer. But this is not a problem and definitely not a reason for you to stop doing good.
Keep going, sister. Keep serving others, shining your light, and walking the journey of healing and transformation with Jesus' power accompanying you each step of the way.
Come Holy Spirit, fill us with Your strength and love. Give us strength and perseverance to continue along the path of life. In moments of opposition or when we are not well-received, fill us with Your power to continue to serve You and Your people. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Keep going. // Mary Catherine CraigeClick to tweet