There is a form of exercise called resistance training. Physical endurance and muscle tone is built through encountering resistance and persevering in the exercise despite that resistance. When the person finds it easier to do the exercise, the amount of resistance is then increased until the person can overcome that level as well.
Just as exercises build strength through overcoming resistance, so the resistance of persecution can make us stronger disciples of Christ. As the kingdom of darkness increases its resistance to our discipleship efforts, we ask the Lord for strength to overcome. Gradually our spiritual "muscles" grow stronger.
When we step out in ministry and it seems the answer to our efforts is a "No," it could be that God is actually using the resistance to strengthen us for future ministry (see Acts 16:5-10). The world, the flesh, and the devil (1 Jn 2:16) will always resist our efforts to serve the Lord. Even so, like the physical resistance exercises, the experience of spiritual perseverance despite opposition can strengthen our spiritual "muscles," drawing us closer to Jesus. "Resist [Satan], solid in your faith" (1 Pt 5:9). "Resist the devil and he will take flight" (Jas 4:7).
| PRAYER: | Father, though I am weak, You are strong (2 Cor 12:9). I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me (Phil 4:13). |
| PROMISE: | "If you find that the world hates you, know it has hated Me before you." –Jn 15:18 |
| PRAISE: | Bob overcame addiction to pornography by retraining his will. He prays: "Not my will but Yours be done" (see Mt 26:39). |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College