Have you found out that sometimes when you are about to start something different, the people that think they know you are the last to be there for you?
They look at you after the flesh and think, really? From where? When did this one start? In other words, they despise you.
Sad but true, Jesus had a similar experience.
John 7: 2- 5
Now the Jew’s feast of tabernacles was at hand.
His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.
For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world.
For neither did his brethren believe in him.
From this account we can see that Jesus own brethren did not believe in Him but this changed.
Acts 1: 4-5, 12 – 14
And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey.
And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.
These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
His brethren would not be waiting for the baptism of the Holy Ghost if they did not believe in Him.
So what happened?
Over the period of time, the Lords brethren believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, why He came and changed their minds. We have further evidence that His brethren also got involved in ministry.
Galatians 1: 18 – 19
Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.
But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother.
1 Corinthians 9: 5
Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?
Lets look at another example relating to Paul:
Acts 28: 1- 6
1And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.
2And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.
3And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
4And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.
5And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.
6Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.
Very interesting. This shows you that man can always change their mind and opinion about you.
You are about to start off a ministry, and those around you think you are going too far. Some even disassociate from you. Perhaps you are going through a difficult time just like Paul did. Initially people will say all sorts of things about you, however when you come through victoriously, they will change their minds.
The most important thing is that you obey the Lord and refuse to be pressured by those that do not believe in you. When we do go through difficult times and those around us seem not to understand and start saying all sorts of things. Don’t worry, the truth will prevail. Time will tell and prove the truth.
There have been several instances with people that those who rejected them came running for prayer in time of need. They finally realised that the Lord did call them.
Has the Lord called you? Or do you have a great business idea that no one around you believes in?
Stand your ground. People can be unstable. Obey the Lord and the rest will take care of itself.
Bisi Oladipupo
