When God calls us into a new season or ministry in our lives, He usually starts by planting a seed in our hearts. Over time the seed grows and He starts to move in the hearts of other people as well, to be ready for this change. At some point it’s time for this new thing to be born.
New life
When a baby is born it is so vulnerable and dependent on others. Usually we have nurses, doctors, family and friends to help protect and care for this new life. In the same way a new ministry or season in our lives is vulnerable. But God will always send us the help and care we need, when He calls us to step into something new.
In 1 Sam. 10 we read about Saul stepping up to be king of Israel. Verse 26 says, “Saul also went home to Gibeah; and there went with him a band of valiant men whose hearts God had touched.” God made sure Saul had the right support and encouragement that he needed. Maybe it wasn’t the ones Saul would have wanted or picked, but it was men with valiant hearts. God knew he would need them by his side to support and protect the new ministry.
In Ezra 1 the king of Persia is sending the Israelites back, to build the house of God in Jerusalem. Not only did God provide all the materials of gold, silver and much more for the project and the ministry in the temple, He also “stirred up the spirits” (Ez. 1:5) of all those who should go and do the work. God provided and cared for the new work.
We see the same thing happening in Nehemiah, when he requests to go back to rebuild the wall. Even when the Israelites left Egypt, God made sure they were provided for.
In any new season God will set us up to succeed, if we wait on Him and follow His timing.
When trouble comes
New babies grow and need to learn new things. Challenges arise as they try to crawl and walk, but they are still protected and cared for as they venture out. (At least that’s the way it should be.) Just because challenges arise, it doesn’t mean anything is wrong.
Saul went home bringing with him the men God provided for his encouragement and support. But in the next verse the opposition arises. “But some worthless fellows said, ”How can this man save us?” And they despised him and brought him no gift. But he held his peace and was as if deaf.” (1 Sam. 10:27 Amp).
We have an enemy who is out to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). If he can get us to give up at any point, he can kill what God is doing. But God will always give us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3). Not only does He provide and protect and encourage the new ministry or season in our lives. If we lean into Him, we see that He always gives us what we need to shake off the opposition.
God gave Saul the grace to hold his peace and turn a deaf ear to the people, who were trying to tear him down. Saul kept his peace. He did not let the enemy steal it. Just like Nehemiah kept building when opposition arose, with one hand on the weapon.
Did God really say?
When opposition arises, you can be sure the enemy will try to make you doubt. “Did God really say?” is literally the oldest trick in the book! He used it on Adam and Eve. He used it on Jesus in the desert. And he will probably try to use it on you and me, when opposition arises.
Saul was “as if deaf” when they questioned why he should lead them. Let’s hold on to God’s words and believe what He has said. To say it in the words of Graham Cooke, “God will always give you the word of life, before the enemy gives you the word of death.” Let’s hold on to the words of life and keep going.
Be encouraged! Don’t give up! God is with you and has given you everything you need, for the new season or ministry His has called you into. Seek Him when opposition arises and keep the peace – and in turn the joy. It was not a mistake that this new life was planted, and birthed through you. He will not let it die. He will teach you to walk!
