Inspiration

We all love to be blessed, to see new doors opening, to have our business take off, to meet just the right person, to move into a new house. We know that’s God taking us where we can’t go on our own. But the blessing doesn’t come by itself. Jesus told His disciples, “There is no one who has left house or family or lands, for My sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold…with persecutions” (Mark 10:29–30). He was saying, “I’m going to bless you with houses and relationships and success, but the favor will stir up jealousy, competition, and envy in certain people who will oppose you.” The question is whether you can handle the persecution—being misunderstood, talked about, left out, criticized. Don’t get upset when it happens. It’s not about you, it’s about the blessing on your life. To be blessed on a greater level will lead to persecution on a greater level. If you get offended and fight with people who are against you, the blessing won’t be a blessing. You have to pass the test of overlooking insults, ignoring what people are saying, not paying attention to the critics and those who try to discredit you. Let God deal with the naysayers, let God take care of those who are trying to make you look bad, trying to stir up trouble, leaving you out. Some people can’t handle your success. They are fine as long as you’re at their level, but when God blesses you in a greater way, they will oppose you. Don’t waste your time and energy trying to make someone be for you who’s never going to be for you. You don’t need their approval; you have Almighty God’s approval. Jesus had many critics. Many people said hurtful, untrue things about Him. He could have straightened them out, spent time arguing, trying to change their mind. But the Scripture says, “He answered not one word” (Matthew 27:14). He didn’t give them the time of day. Don’t waste your time trying to change your critic’s mind. Don’t argue with small-minded people. What they think of you is not going to stop your destiny or keep you from your purpose. That negative chatter is the enemy trying to bait you into conflict and get you off course. You can’t stop what they’re saying, but you can ignore it and refuse to let it get down in your spirit. You don’t have to respond to the negative. A response gives that person credibility. Don’t validate what they’re saying by answering them. Do as Jesus did and ignore it. When you withstand the persecution, God is about to release a new level of blessing.