Resistance

“Any place of resistance in your life is your next opportunity for growth.”

Abbot David Geraets

The New Oxford American Dictionary defines resistance as “the refusal to accept or comply with something; the attempt to prevent something by action or argument.” What are you resisting today? What is rising up within you causing you to say, “No, I don’t want to do that?” It may be something you are feeling fearful of or some sort of challenge you do not want to accept on the home front, in ministry, or at work. Do you sense God is nudging you to do something, but you are pushing back on it?

Years ago, while hunting for a house in Wichita, we finally came across one that seemed to check off most of the boxes of our hearts’ desires, and yet I was dragging my feet in wanting to make an offer. Our realtor was part counselor and she graciously listened to me verbally process what was going on within my heart. My resistance to the house was because I did not want to move to Wichita, and I needed to keep grieving the loss from moving. We ended up buying the house and I have lost track of the number of times I have thanked God for this house! Sometimes we are resistant because we cannot yet see how good something is for us.

It is easy for me to resist when God is waking me up early in the morning. Yet, as God has trained me in this area, broken my attachment to sleep, and matured my trust in His provision for the energy and focus I need, the freedom that comes from my surrender, is priceless. Resistance is God’s invitation to transformation and greater liberty. In each situation where we find ourselves being resistant, God is asking us, “Do you trust Me? Will you let Me be all that you need?”

Just as resistance bands help heal injuries and strengthen muscles, so too do the things we resist; they can be what God uses to heal and strengthen our souls. If we allow our resistance to stop us from moving forward, we will miss out on God’s opportunity to deepen our trust and intimacy with Him. Resistance hinders our growth while surrendering to God enhances it.

“Transformation stalls when resistance steers our steps.”

Gem Fadling

Relevant Reflections:

1. Where do you notice a hint of resistance? In what situation are you telling God, “No thanks?”

2. Identify the reasons behind your resistance and process your heart.

3. How much do you want transformation and freedom? Ask God to help you surrender.

4. What steps can you take to submit to God and embrace what He has for you?

Image by Spencer Wing from Pixabay