Faith Reinforced

A woman in a large city had concerns about the homeless so began feeding them. It was not long before she had the help of others but they soon came into conflict with city officials and city by-laws. She needed a license for her efforts and all sorts of other requirements to make everything legal. For reasons unknown, the mayor and others opposed what she was doing even though they claimed to have similar concerns for homeless people. The stress nearly shut her down but with prayer and financial support from surprising sources, she kept at it. Finally, a city election changed things. The mayor was replaced with a person who wanted this ministry to thrive. Many were praying and giving to that end. Within a few years, it became an amazing ministry.

In our city, a ministry to the homeless had plans to build a new facility that would give people on the street a safe place to eat and sleep. The government opposed the plan, fudged about necessary permits, and said no to requests for financial support even though more than half of the cost had been raised through donations. Their reason? They didn’t like the idea of this group giving thanks before meals! However, a recent election defeated the party who ruled and the new government immediately blessed all requests for this project!

One of our pastors often says, “Only God” when we speak of events like this. The Bible says that God sets up leaders and takes them down. It also says that He can turn the hearts of kings. God is in charge of history. Because of His sovereignty, when His people are doing His will, we can expect God to conquer what appears to be insurmountable barriers to our efforts.

This happened in Corinth . . .

When Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him before the tribunal, saying, “This man is persuading people to worship God contrary to the law.” But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, I would have reason to accept your complaint. But since it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of these things.” And he drove them from the tribunal. And they all seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the tribunal. But Gallio paid no attention to any of this. (Acts 18:12–17)

In this situation, opposition was from the Jewish religious leaders who were hung up on rules and regulations. In their minds, the Gospel of salvation by grace through faith was contrary to the laws of God. Their biggest problem seemed to be that Paul’s message threatened to ruin their power over people. Not only that, “When they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, ‘Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.’” (Acts 18:6) This was horrifying to them also.

However, they knew that they could do little without the support of Roman authorities, so they appealed to the government to help them deal with Paul, not understanding that God was strongly behind what Paul was doing. Even at his conversion, the Lord declared . . . 

“. . . he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” (Acts 9:15–16)

If God wants anyone doing street ministry, feeding and providing shelter to the homeless, or showing any care and kindness, opposition can and does happen. However, those who oppose the will of God do not have any hope of winning such a battle. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. (Proverbs 19:21)

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Lord Jesus, Your Word says, “My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose” (Isaiah 46:10) and this gives me confidence in Your promise and Your power. I can trust and obey You even when situations appear to be insurmountable. I can also pray with certainty for others according to Your will and know that You will do what You decide to do. Wow! I am continually in awe of You!