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We Are “AN” Opportunity, Not “THE” Opportunity — 9 Comments

  1. Thanks for sharing William! Its a refreshing reminder that this is after all the Lord's work and He it is Who works in us to do and to will of His good pleasure! He is the One Who is saving us and we are called to work out our salvation by allowing Him complete access to work IN us to do and to will ...

    (9)
  2. Thanks for sharing your experience, very encouraging that people can reject us and accept Jesus..people can say no today but yes tomorrow.

    (6)
  3. William, what you have shared is refreshing and timely. I can relate somewhat. After being the head deacon for 15 years or more there have been some changes and there will be a new head deacon in our church this next year. Some say it is time for a change. We can easily get caught up with our perceived ability to serve and see no reason for change. Unintentionally we even let our ego and self importance be the main controlling emotion in our self examination. We all need to be humble and guided by the Holy Spirit, to be used in what ever manor that God chooses.

    (6)
  4. Thanks William! Our job description is to 'preach, teach, baptize'. We are not required, nor are we equiped, to convert. I've got a friend in my local church who always points out that the church is adopting a 'business model'. Everything has to be quantified and results must match/justify investment. Any evangelistic effort that yields no tangible results is therefore regarded as a failure. This puts pressure on pastors to do ANYTHING that will help fill the pews. Remember 'sub-prime lending'? We are witnessing a version of that today in the church.

    (10)
  5. "when [we] remember that there are varied minds to be reached, and that some will reject the truth as it is presented by one laborer, only to open their hearts to God’s truth as it is presented in a different manner by another laborer, [we] will hopefully endeavor to labor together in unity." (Gospel Workers p.483)
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    I think it is good for us to have felt "rejection" in our work. It is not pleasant, but it is good for us... if, that is, we learn the lesson that our material, our manner, and our way, is not suited to all. Others may be better suited to a specific situation at hand. We really need to be able to shake the proverbial dust off of our feet -- spiritually speaking -- because the feelings of hurt and anger that come from a perceived rejection can be overwhelming. And if we allow hurts and resentment to cling to us, after we've made such large efforts, then we will only blame the hearers. And yet we do not need to "blame" them or ourselves - perhaps we were not the right person for the time and place.

    What a blessing it is to be able to shake off feelings of hurt and resentment!

    (10)
  6. Oh bless the Lord! Thanks again William I am encouraged. Sometimes we can become discouraged when we don't see the fruit of our labors, forgetting that it's not about us. Thanks for the reminder. keep up the good work.

    (5)
  7. Thanks for the good information which came on the right time. Lets go into the field knowing that we are only sower and the harvest is God's

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