Prayer for Change – Facing Opposition

There are some parts of the Bible that some would prefer not to read.

The parts about the blessings of the Lord are enjoyable parts to read. The parts about the restoration and redemption of humanity are enjoyable parts to read. The parts about the protection of the Lord and the angelic support are enjoyable parts to read. The promise of His presence and provision are enjoyable parts to read. The promise of an eternal kingdom without pain or death are enjoyable to read. The parts about the love of God, the example of the Son and the indwelling of His Holy Spirit are enjoyable parts to read.

As they are the enjoyable parts to read, they are things that we want to market to others. Indeed when people start to experience the love and beauty of Jesus it can all appear serene and wonderful.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad,because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:10-12)

Any hint that the walk with Jesus is going to be all pleasant walks in the garden and smiles as people welcome our love and grace comes crashing down with these words … from Jesus. And He has more …

If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. (John 15:18-19)

The change we pray for, the breaking through of the Kingdom, the glory of Jesus transforming lives and the establishment of peace through righteousness is going to be met with resistance. That resistance takes on a variety of forms. From the subtle and reasonable to the overt and blatant hostility. It is there and it is rampant. As though knowing that the time is short, efforts are redoubled to stop those who raise the banner for Jesus.

In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. (2 Timothy 3:12-13)

Praying for change is deliberately stirring up the hornet’s nest. It’s provoking the forces that believe they have sway in the world today. It is defying every rule that would put itself first instead of God. Praying for change meddles with the seen and unseen, it disrupts the way things usually run and that upsets many.

This commitment then requires fortitude and perseverance. It requires a capacity to be mindful of brothers and sisters who are in the midst of the opposition and compassionately supporting them however we can. At the same time also being ready ourselves to be met with this resistance and fight it with the weapons at our disposal as Paul of Tarsus outlined in letter to the Ephesians – the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the helmet of salvation, the shoes of the preparation of the gospel of peace and the sword of the Spirit. Supporting all this,

Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. (Ephesians 6:18)

Our ongoing communication with God for ourselves and our brothers and sisters is paramount. Our connection with Him is the only way to endure and persevere.

There is much that opposes the change – the devil, the world and the flesh. At times the odds may seem overwhelming. We have reason to have hope though as we pray. We have this assurance from our Lord.

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

Father, we want the change and we acknowledge the opposition. We cannot overcome in our own strength or power. We rely on you to encourage us.

(Photo by Mikito Tateisi on Unsplash)

For His Name’s Sake

Shalom

C. L. J. Dryden