Have you ever found yourself in the midst of trying to do something positive for the kingdom of God when all of the sudden a few negative personalities come in and try to disrupt what God has called you to do? Maybe you’ve found yourself trying to share Jesus with someone, when a third party steps in and makes fun of what you’re saying, or speaks against it all together. Maybe while at a Christian outreach event, a few outsiders try to disrupt what’s going on. If that every happens, I encourage you to remain diligent and complete the task that you’ve begun for the kingdom with love and perseverance. In Acts, Paul and Barnabas could attest to others trying to throw a wrench in what they were doing for the cause of Christ. In chapter 14 verses 1-3 it says:
"In Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed. But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. So Paul and Barnabas spent a considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to do miraculous signs and wonders."
When the Jews came to stir up trouble, it says that “Paul and Barnabas spent a considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord”. They didn’t back down, nor did they fight with the Jews. They just dug in their heels, rolled up their sleeves, and kept at it all the more. Unlike Paul and Barnabas, God may not choose to enable you to perform miraculous signs and wonders in the midst of your efforts. But even still, you can continue the work God has called you to, knowing that he is there with you, and that his purpose will be accomplished.
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Doing work for the Lord, may draw the attention of those who want to disrupt what God is doing. Though this is unfortunate, we shouldn’t be surprised. Remember that our battle isn’t against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. With this knowledge, I hope you’ll be able to see the hate or disruption as a tool of the evil one, even if he is using a flesh and blood human to accomplish his goal. I encourage you to not let his efforts distract you. Our job is to love. We need to trust God to take care of the rest.