When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall,
he became angry and was greatly incensed.
Nehemiah 4:1
Someone has said, “Anytime you stick your head above the crowd, someone will take a shot at it.” No great endeavor goes without some criticizing it.
Was there a time in your past when you chose to take a risk and do something “significant”? I would be willing to bet that some criticized you for it. Or maybe you are taking a risk right now and are being criticized.
People might say things like, “Who does he think he is?” or “She has no idea what she is getting herself into!” or “I can’t believe he/she thinks he/she can do that!”
I have been in full-time ministry for over 35 years – and if you add the part-time ministry I did in my twenties, for almost 40. I can tell you that no matter what I, or any other pastor or church sought to do for God, someone – or many people – found fault with it.
Jesus was perfect, and people criticized him. They even nailed him to the cross.
Know this: If God’s Spirit is leading you to do something significant for him, you will face some criticism. And sometimes it is even from other believers.
Pray today that the leaders of Crossroads discern what God’s Spirit is calling us to do as a church, and that we do it even if some criticize. Pray the same for yourself!
