When you first receive Yeshua/Jesus as your Lord and Savior or maybe the first time you truly surrender your life to Elohim and really come to know Him for yourself, your first instinct is to run and tell everyone the wonderful news. It’s the best feeling in the world. How could you not want to share it? At the same time, the reality soon hits that not all will receive that news as you hoped, and sadly, many times we find that the most skeptical are those we are closest to like family and friends. This continues to happen as you grow and receive more revelation, and if you allow it, it can really become disheartening. I have experienced this on many occasions myself, but we aren’t the only ones who have experienced this, as Yeshua,Jesus Himself did also.
Mark 6:1-4 NIV
1 Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. 2 When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. “Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? 3 Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. 4 Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.”
Those who are closest to us see us as who they’ve always known us to be. Sometimes it’s hard for them to accept the change that we tell them has happened, even when they see it happening right before their eyes. Sometimes, they don’t want to accept the changes they see happening and they can even become argumentative, as has been my experience, because they realize that these new changes also affect your relationship or interactions with them. Sadly, the enemy will use those closest to us to try to bring in doubt and fear or to try to make us feel unworthy. This is why it is crucial to stay connected to your brothers and sisters in Christ. There have been many times that my brothers and sisters have lifted me back up and encouraged me when I felt rejected by family. Does this mean that we shouldn’t try or share with those closest to us? Not at all. I have learned to just pray, be patient and allow our Father to reach them in His timing while I continue to be an available vessel for Him to use to reach others. Even in areas where people may still not agree with the changes I’ve made according to my beliefs in the Word, I have watched the Father bring peace where strife once reigned. I have watched and continue to watch the Father move on their hearts as I have been patient and prayed. I have also learned the importance of listening to Holy Spirit allowing Him to tell me when to say something, when not to, and what to pray for. One time that really blessed me was in prayer one morning. I truly believe Holy Spirit put it on my heart to pray for my sister’s best friend, as I know that even though she is my sister, her best friend can reach her in ways I can not. So, I prayed for her friend’s salvation that she could reach and help my sister. It wasn’t long after that my sister told me that her friend had begun attending a ministry and was changing her life. Our Father is so faithful.
You see, all people including family and friends, will not listen or care to share in the joy with us, but our Father knows who to send us to that will hear and receive. Don’t get discouraged when those closest to you don’t receive Him. Just stay in prayer and allow the Father to send you to who He knows needs to hear you. Keep praying for your friends and family because the Father knows their hearts and who He can use to reach them as well. One of the greatest joys for me, is when I know the Father was able to use me to help, encourage, or lead another to salvation. Never doubt the purpose or calling on your life because of others skepticism or rejection. Keep pressing in and know the Father has so much greater for you to do.
