Have you ever believed in something that was very hard to explain yet your conviction is unshakable, and, while others are somewhat skeptical and your passion to share your belief is overwhelming? What do you do when someone challenges you? What happens when someone asks questions that you are unprepared for or you don’t know the answer? Do you get frustrated? Do you get upset and push back? Do you take what you heard, research it deeper and allow the newness of the information enhance and strengthen your resolve?
There are those in this world who have felt the call to teach.
They have a passion to share their knowledge and believe whole heartedly in
what they are teaching and those they are instructing. I remember a professor
who taught me a very valuable lesson. He told the class that he has a very thorough
knowledge of what he taught and was very passionate about the subject but was
open to other’s opinions and viewpoints. There had been times when some were very
persistent in their stance and would dig in their heels, argue the point and
refuse to hear his opinion even though he was the authority on the subject. He
would simply state to them “I have never heard it put that way before”. He does
not waver in his faith and enjoys sharing his passion with others. There are
those, however, who back down from the argument, submit to the other’s opinion
and choose acceptance over faith. Yes, these are harsh words but the evil one will
use every tool in the arsenal to break the will of the faithful.
Jesus had told the disciples over and over that He would be
back. They learned from the Master, they saw the miracles, witnessed His love
and compassion but did not recognize the Master on the road to Emmaus, their
faith was tested when the last breath left His lips.
In Luke 24:38-43, Jesus asked “Why are you frightened? Why
are your hearts filled with doubt? Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You
can see that it’s really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost,
because ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do.” As he spoke, he
showed them his hands and his feet. Still, they stood there in disbelief,
filled with joy and wonder. Then he asked them, “Do you have anything here
to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he ate it as they
watched.
Lean not on your own understanding, lean upon the Lord for
His strength and wisdom is more powerful than the doubt. It is doubt that is
the tool of the evil one and this tears at the foundation of our faith. We are
in a battle with forces that use human frailty to succeed in breaking the
resolve of the disciples. Our Saviour went to the cross, took our sins with Him
and then conquered death, returned to the disciples and proved to them He is
God. This was the start of the spread of the Gospel throughout the land by the
faithful who would rather give up their lives than deny their Lord. A foundation
built on Jesus is more solid than anything on earth. It is worth dying to self over.
We invite you to join us this Sunday either in person (we
are limited to numbers inside the building) or online. Should you wish to join
us online, click on either link below to join us live:
Facebook Live - https://www.facebook.com/main.ave.31
YouTube Live – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs9LIkN_QTdVM6eVXEgy9QA
See you all Sunday.
Blessings,
Pastor Todd
www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca