Take Courage

Jeremiah 1:18-19
Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land. They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you, declares the LORD.

How exciting to know that the oppositions we face are not always from “unchurch” folks. God has called you to perform priestly work and you will face opposition even from people within. The beautiful thing is that you have been equipped for the oppositions. He has given you thick skin. The jests, finger pointing, weird looks, ill remarks, eyes rolling and evil thoughts towards you should not get to you because God has fortified you. You are not just any pillar (support); you are an iron support, immovable, a bronze wall, and an impenetrable entity against the whole land. Whatever people say and however they relate to you while you are doing the work God has called you to do should not sadden you. God has equipped you to make sure it does not get to you.

God doesn’t just stop at the thick skin defense, He assures you that when “they bring it on” they will not overcome you, because He is with you and will rescue you. Deut 28:7 affirms this. It says “The LORD will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated before you. They will come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven.”
All we have to do is not be terrified of them but be obedient to God and follow all of His commands.

Then again, if we choose to be silenced by people’s attitudes or fear of the thoughts of men… selah! We’d leave that for another time.