Resistance Is Strength Training

"My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." — 2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV)

Have you ever noticed that the moment you begin stepping into what God has called you to do, resistance seems to increase?

You decide to teach, and people question your knowledge.

You begin serving, and someone criticizes your motives.

You start a ministry, and people tell you it won't last.

You write, create, encourage, or lead, and suddenly others become experts on what you can and cannot do.

Many believers mistake resistance for a sign they are outside of God's will.

Often, it is the exact opposite.

The Enemy Rarely Fights Someone Standing Still

Scripture is full of men and women who faced resistance the moment they obeyed God.

Moses was doubted.

David was overlooked.

Jeremiah was mocked.

Paul was beaten and imprisoned.

Even Jesus was rejected by many of the very people He came to save.

Opposition has never been proof that God isn't working.

Sometimes it is evidence that He is.

Don't Let Other People's Opinions Become Your Identity

One of the greatest dangers isn't criticism itself—it's believing it.

If we begin to define ourselves by what others say, we'll eventually stop pursuing what God has called us to do.

I've experienced this personally.

From childhood, people questioned whether I had actually written my own assignments. Because a learning disability affects my speech, many assumed it also reflected my ability to write. Even today, there are people who claim someone else must be writing my books or that technology somehow replaces what God has placed in my heart.

Those words could have become my identity.

Instead, they became another opportunity to trust God's voice above the opinions of people.

My weakness became a place where God's strength could be displayed.

Resistance Builds Strength

No one becomes physically stronger without resistance.

A weightlifter doesn't become stronger by lifting feathers.

Muscles grow because they are challenged.

The same is true spiritually.

Every criticism teaches humility.

Every obstacle develops perseverance.

Every disappointment deepens dependence on Christ.

Resistance isn't always punishment.

Sometimes it is God's training ground.

James tells us to count it all joy when we face trials because they produce perseverance. God isn't simply trying to remove obstacles from your life. He is using them to shape you into someone who can carry greater responsibility.

Keep Listening to the Right Voice

There will always be people willing to tell you who you're not.

There will always be critics.

There will always be doubters.

Some may even claim God told them something that contradicts what He has genuinely been doing in your life.

This is why every voice must be tested against Scripture and against the fruit it produces.

The voice you should follow is the Shepherd's.

Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice."

If He has called you, keep walking.

If He has gifted you, keep serving.

If He has placed something in your heart, keep being faithful.

Don't let criticism become your compass.

Let Christ be your guide.

Keep Moving Forward

Your calling will almost always meet resistance.

Don't be discouraged by that.

Resistance is not always a roadblock.

Sometimes it is simply God's strength training.

The weight you're carrying today may be preparing you for the responsibility He plans to entrust to you tomorrow.

So don't quit because someone questioned you.

Don't stop because someone doubted you.

Don't surrender your calling to the opinions of people.

Lean into Christ.

Where you are weak, He is strong.

And in His strength, keep moving forward.

Pastor Scott