Fault-finders were Present

Scripture: Luke 1:61-63

And they said to her, "There is no one among your relatives who is called by that name." And they made signs to his father, as to what he wanted him called. And he asked for a tablet and wrote as follows, "His name is John." And they were all astonished.

Insights: Today’s verses point us to one of those truths about life.  If we are God’s children and if we have heard a word from Him, then there will always be those who find fault with what we are doing.  The sad part is that often times these fault-finders are very much alive and well in the church.  In Elizabeth’s life it played out like this: “There is no one among your relatives who is called by that name,” but in our modern day life, it goes like this: “We have never done it that way before.”  It is a sad commentary on our lives to put God in a box and declare to the world, “This _____________ (fill in the blank) is the only way God works.”  How many times did He have the nation of Israel march around a city for seven days and on the seventh day march seven times and then shout?  How many times did He make an axe head float?  How many different ways did Jesus heal the blind?  God is a God of infinite creativity.  Just look at His creation.  We are all unique and so is His animal kingdom.  The reason these fault-finders are present is because Satan is attempting to thwart the will and ways of God.  Our adversary is attempting to discourage us and prevent us from walking boldly with our Lord.  Beloved, we must arise to the challenge.  We must put on our spiritual armor and valiantly fight against the enemy and his evil schemes to stop us.  We must with faith oppose the fault-finders and point them to the love, power and grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Let us be victorious in HIM!!!

Questions:

1. What work has God called you to that you are receiving opposition?
2. Have these fault-finders caught you by surprise and hindered you from obeying the Lord?

Prayer: Father, as difficult as it is to say, “Thank You for the fault-finders.”  I do not always handle their opposition well, but when I know I have heard a clear word from You, then it helps give confirmation that I am walking with You.  Grant me the courage to remain strong in the midst of opposition.  Amen.