Adversity

Have you ever felt there are people out there that want you to fail?  People who thirst to see you lose? Is there ever times where you feel what you are doing is right but there seems to be someone who just will not step out of the way so you can continue your path? 

Having adversity has to be one of the most difficult things for a Christian to deal with.  Some how in this modern day Christianity we get a feeling that life is supposed to be smooth and comfortable and if we are trying to do something and our progress gets halted for some reason we give up. 

I can recall back in college when our little church decided to start a basketball ministry.  We had a few of us that instantly fell in love with the idea and wanted to run with it.  There were a few others however that thought since we were a small church located in a very rural area that this would be a waste of funds and time.  We could have at that point just given up on the idea but we did not and we pressed on.  We rented a gym that seemed to be in a former elementary school that was being used as a preschool now. Needless to say if you walked in there you would be surprised to see grown men trying to play in this munchkin gym. 

At first we did not have very many people show up. This seemed to fuel the speculations that this was indeed a waste of time.  We did not give up but instead prayed harder and continued to show up Wednesday after Wednesday and watched as the ministry grew to around twenty guys.  It was such a blessing to be able to give kids something to do and a place to go where they could be influenced by Christians during competition and receive the Word after.

It is a shame but it seems as though anyone who is on a mission will always face adversity. Whether it is from enemies or even members of your own congregation there is always someone willing to shoot down your dreams.  As I continue to read through Nehemiah I see that he faced adversity early on in his mission.

“But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah, the Ammonite servant, heard this, it displeased them greatly that someone had come to seek the welfare of the people of Israel.”  Neh. 2:10

There were antagonists back then as well.  These two people that were listed wouldn’t be the only adversity but they were the first and sadly they were on Nehemiah’s way to Jerusalem and not even involved with the mission.  Sanballat and Tobiah were upset that someone would come and see the welfare of Israelites.  It doesn’t specifically say why it was that they were unhappy with this but they must have made it known outwardly for Nehemiah to have taken notice and write about it later. 

So maybe you have dreams that others tell you would be worthless.  Maybe you have a passion to do something and you are hearing your friends, family, co-workers, congregation, or even strangers tell you that it isn’t worth the time.  If this desire is a true and good desire and you believe in your heart that it is worth attaining then don’t let anyone, no matter who it is, tell you that you can not do it.  Nehemiah had a passion to rebuild a ruined city and though confrontation occurred he continued and succeeded. Push on and press forward. Surround yourself with those who have the same goal and accomplish your dream.