By: Elizabeth Haarberg

WHEN THE WORLD DOESN’T AGREE

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud link.

There will be times as Christians that the world is not in agreement with you. It’s more difficult when the people closest to you, such as family and friends, discount how you view things, especially if there are multiple people who don’t agree with you. It’s easy to lose hope or question yourself, and God, when this happens.

It’s times like these that checking in with a trusted friend, counselor and God is helpful. As Christians we will see things differently, but it’s also important that we know we are fallible. There are times we may not have it all right.

But If we know that’s how God sees the situation and that our response is appropriate, sometimes we just have to stay strong in the moment. 

“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 English Standard Version

Family is a wonderful thing but even Jesus struggled with being understood by his family. When Mary and Joseph left Jerusalem when Jesus was a child, He stayed behind without their knowing so he could preach in the synagogue. Jesus’ family didn’t understand why he stayed.

Later when Jesus’ family came to see him while He was preaching, this was his response when he heard they wanted to see him:

“But he answered them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.” Luke 8:20 English Standard Version

Jesus often did the unexpected, the unusual and the unpopular.

We don’t do things to be liked or popular, we do what God asks and sometimes that is difficult and feels like rejection.

To clarify, though, we don’t use God as an excuse so we can be abrasive. I’ve come into contact with my fair share of difficult Christians that used Jesus as a scapegoat for their rudeness. This is different; this is doing what your Father does. This is acting in His name and His nature.

Sometimes it does make me sad or question why things aren’t going more smoothly. When I get clarity from God, I find out one of two things: 1.) I didn’t do what He asked. In this case I need to make it right. OR 2.) Some things are just difficult.

Just stay close to God and He will let you know what to do next.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado