“We get the idea that a smooth track proves God is on our side – bumps in the road are a heavenly thumbs down. But what if it’s just the opposite? Sometimes, when you face roadblocks, you know you must be doing the right thing.”- Kyle Idleman
“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.”- Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)
Kyle Idleman continues Chapter 8 of Don’t Give Up as he talks about the third basic obstacle that we all face.
3. The Obstacle of Opposition. Like Nehemiah, when you say yes to God, that means you say yes to opposition. As Newton’s Third Law of Motion states about the physical realm: “Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.”
In addition, Pastor Idleman observes, this truth about the physical realm also tends to play out in the spiritual realm. Kyle explains:
“For every spiritual action, there is an equal and opposite spiritual reaction. So when you set out to rebuild, you’re taking action consistent with the character of God. He’s a creator, a restorer, a rebuilder. But while your action aligns with his character, it opposes Satan, who is at his core a destroyer. . . . Expect that your construction effort will be met with an equal and opposite attempt at destruction.”
Thus, Nehemiah faced opposition not because he was doing something wrong, but because he was doing something right. Therefore, when people oppose us, that should make us more determined.
Finally, Kyle exhorts and challenges you to encourage someone else as they rebuild. Because the right word at the right time can make all the difference. And your words speak encouragement to you as well!
Today’s question: Do you tend to see roadblocks as a heavenly thumbs down? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “When uncleared rubble obstructs your vision”