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by Pamela EnderbySo, you're leading a Bible study. An unbeliever, a few church dropouts and some believers from diverse religious backgrounds are attending.
A few weeks into it, your enthusiasm and heartfelt concern for them withers. Frequently, you become the target of their anger; God is unfair and demands too much. Doubt poisons your confidence and raises the question, "Has God chosen the wrong leader?" Like Jonah, you're ready to run for your own "Tarshish." Stop! Consider these principles before calling it quits:
1. Recognize your enemy. When a member expresses hostility, defensiveness, or doubt, resist viewing her as the enemy. Our enemy is the devil. Silently make war in prayer and persistently pray for strength. "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world," (Ephesians 6: 12).
2. Rally prayer support. Don't be an island. Contact prayer group leaders in your church. Give them the attendees' names and regularly update them concerning prayer requests: Mary struggles with forgiveness, fear keeps Connie from believing. James 5:16 declares, "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."
3. Reach for God's word. Consistently, point your students to the Bible for answers. God designed it to "correct, rebuke and encourage," (2 Timothy 4:2).
4. Rely on God's powerful word. Jeremiah 23:29 explains it is like fire and a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces. Therefore, serve bite size spiritual nuggets. Large portions choke spiritual growth.
5. Rest in God's redemptive plan. Share truth from God's word trusting Him to enlighten their minds and understanding. Jesus states, "I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him," (John 6:65).
6. Rejoice and reap. Giving thanks cultivates inner strength. Rejoice over baby steps of progress: someone is reading the Bible for the first time, a prayer request is shared, a difficult member smiles at you. God promises, "we will reap a harvest if we do not give up," (Galatians 6:9).
Pamela Enderby resides in Lenexa, Kansas, in the United States. Her articles have appeared in many publications including NABC Courtside, Light and Life, Standard, Domestique and Kansas City Family. She is the wife of a pastor and mother of five.
