How can we overcome resistance when sharing God's message, as seen in Ezekiel 3:6? Seeing the Setting “Surely if I had sent you to them, they would have listened to you.” (Ezekiel 3:6) What the Verse Reveals - God tells Ezekiel Israel will resist, yet foreigners would have listened. - The issue is not the message’s clarity but the audience’s hardness. - Resistance is expected; obedience is still required. Key Insights for Today - Resistance is normal when hearts are hard. - Faithfulness, not visible results, measures success. - God’s assignment is deliberate; He knows where He sends us. Strengthened for the Task - God equips the messenger (Ezekiel 3:8-9). - “I have set My face like flint” (Isaiah 50:7) models resolve. - “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you” (Acts 1:8). Practical Ways to Overcome Resistance 1. Ground yourself in Scripture • Daily reading keeps the message fresh. 2. Speak God’s words, not opinions • “We speak as those approved by God” (1 Thessalonians 2:4). 3. Pray for Spirit-given boldness and love • Love softens delivery; power sustains courage. 4. Build relational bridges • Earn trust through consistent character. 5. Use clear language • Unlike Israel’s “unfamiliar speech,” speak plainly and understandably. 6. Persevere despite response • “Do not be afraid of them” (Jeremiah 1:8). 7. Rest in God’s evaluation • Obedience pleases Him even when outcomes seem small. Encouraging Examples - Jeremiah persisted though ignored (Jeremiah 38). - Peter and John kept preaching after threats (Acts 4-5). - Paul faced opposition yet saw fruit (Acts 18). Closing Encouragement God forewarns us of resistance, supplies unbreakable strength, and counts faithfulness as victory. Stand firm, speak clearly, love deeply, and trust Him with the results. |
    |