It's bound to happen that the more you step out for the Kingdom of God, the more resistance you're going to find coming your way.What's really unfortunate is that at the beginning, the first to start resisting you are your friends and family.

In this blog we're going to touch on:

• Why this happens: 1 and 2
• How to respond
• How to move on

Why This Happens

There are basically two reasons:

1. Legitimate demonic interference
2. Sincere ignorance based concern
   

Demonic Interference

It should not come as a surprise to you that once you start moving for God that the devil is going to try and get in the way.

If you're new to Christianity the story goes like this:

• God loves people - the devil doesn't.
• God wants to redeem people - the devil doesn't
• God is leading people into that redemption - the devil is working against that

The story obviously has more details than that but you get the picture. It's your standard Good vs. Evil scenario.

When you get involved you have declared which side you are on and now you are in the fight.

The plus side of this all is that: You + God = Majority

You don't have to worry about the devil because he doesn't have ultimate power. He's looking for those whom he may devour.

As long as you understand that he "may not" devour you (i.e., you don't give him permission too) then you can continue strong in the battle.

This doesn't mean that he won't attack you, it just means you have a stronger counter-attack rather than having to sit there and let him beat on you. Ain't nobody got time for that.

The devil interfering can vary but the end goal is always the same: distraction, division, destruction.

If he can distract, divide, or destruct what you're doing then he's doing his job well. Here are some things that can fall under those categories so that you aren't blind to them:

• Random sickness
• Random accidents
• Random temptations
• Random conflicts/attacks through or on friends/family/others
  

These might look random to you but they are strategic backlashes or bewildered attempts to get you distracted, divided, or dead.

In these moments, remember you have authority to fight back. Just walk and talk like Jesus: "Get behind me satan." This verse Jesus is demonstrating how spiritual warfare is done.

It's done with speaking, with believing, and 100% relying on #Jesus.

Here is a more detailed list.

Sincere Ignorance Based Concern

The word "ignorant" here is in the context of "not knowing."

This isn't accusing anyone of not being smart, it's just understanding that our friends and family (and others) can be concerned for us simply because they don't understand/know what's happening.

This could be for a number of reasons:

• They're threatened by what you're doing because they're insecure
• They're worried for you because what you're doing is outside their comfort zone
• They're jealous because they're familiar with you
• They refuse to give up their assumptions of what's true about you and/or God
• They have a legitimate concern that you are doing harm to others like others have in the past
• etc.,

Just the other day I had an old friend reach out to me over social media and tell me how disappointed in me they were for how "I'm leading people astray from taking medication they need; how I'm doing all this to convince myself/God of something; that I'm mixed up in the faith-healing-nonsense; and that I'm manipulating people with my charisma."

After clearing things up with them and asking them some questions to explain themselves using the Three Most Dangerous Questions:

1. What do you mean by that?
2. How did you come to that conclusion?
3. If presented alternate evidence, would you change your mind?

It's unfortunate but it happens. This leads me to your next step: how to respond.

How To Respond

1. First thing is to remember that our fight is not against people. That includes people that get up all in your face.

We are never to attack people, belittle people, respond inappropriately (which is usually how you initially feel like responding)

If you look at all your initial responses, ask yourself if any of them are edifying. If not, then you don't need it.

Wait a couple seconds or minutes or days before you respond to an attack. Do your best to respond assertively but in love.

In the case of my friend, I waited until the next morning before I responded. When I did, I started by thanking them for their concern.

I found common ground with them by saying

• I don't agree with those who tell others to stop taking medication and "just believe"
• I mentioned I even get medical help from time to time when/if I need it
• I addressed some rude remarks that were based on assumptions, but I did so without using the same attitude they gave me. (trust me, I wanted to...but it wouldn't have helped)
• I asked them for clarification (to help me grow): where in the Bible it teaches that healing is not for today and that it's not done through believers [because maybe they know something I don't]

They responded by saying "You know what I mean and I'm not up for a religious debate" and blocked me.

Demonic? Ignorance? Who knows... In all cases keep seeking God and loving them and move on with peace.

2. Remember a gentle answer turns away wrath

It's easy to get your feathers ruffled when someone attacks you for doing good (or at least for what you think is good).

Remember, there is a difference between someone attacking you and someone correcting you.

This is why we don't want to react abruptly, but first ask questions, because maybe they have a point and we heard them wrong.

We should always be open for receiving correction (even though it hurts and we hate it). A harsh answer is only going to make things worse.

3. Take Some Time

We don't always have to respond on the spot. If we have the luxury of waiting until our initial feelings subside a little (if we need that of course), then by all means take the time out.

It'll help your relationships in the long run, help you respond more intellectually and lovingly, and maybe even win someone over.

4. Be Guarded With Prayer

The devil is looking for whom he may devour (which denotes he can't devour just anyone...)

If you forget the authority that Jesus gave you for this area, then you are setting yourself up for a bite.

Keeping sharp by staying in the word and continually talking with God is going to keep you on the ball. Reading the Word and praying DO NOT GIVE YOU POWER OR AUTHORITY.

You already have it all. But praying and reading the word build up your faith allowing you to walk in the power God gave you.

How To Move On

It's our job to make sure that we represent Jesus well. We are His ambassadors so what we do, we do in His name.

Walking in peace, responding in peace, and loving people where they are at is not easy but it is required.

Don't fret, you've got the Fruit of the Spirit:

• #Love
• Joy
• #Peace
• Patience
• Kindness
• Gentleness
• #Faithfulness
• Self Control

Some practical tips you can use when dealing with family that is moving against you or away from you is:

Pray for them

You can't stay angry for long at those who you pray for with sincerity.

Remember this is praying for them, not complaining to #God about them.

Receive them

If they ever come back or when they speak to you, welcome them! The father did that for the prodigal, God does that for us, and we should do that for others.

If my friend ever comes back, I will never hold this previous conversation over their head. It's done.

Bless and forgive them

Forgiveness is not for them. It's for you.

When there is an offense between you and someone else, imagine the offense as a stick that both of you are holding.

As long as you walk in un-forgiveness, you hold onto that stick and it keeps you attached to them in a negative way.

But forgiveness is when you let go of the stick. Now you are free from the offense because you dropped it.

It's for your freedom, not theirs. Once you do that, bless them and set them free as well.

Life is too short to hold #prisoners.

So What Are Your Thoughts?

Have you ever had someone close to you move away because you were heading out in a different direction? How did you handle it?