I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy (Romans 11:11).
In winning souls, you’ll surely encounter some people who’d be hostile and reject your message or invitation for them to come to church. Whenever that happens, don’t be discouraged. If they reject your message and your invitation, focus on reaching other people. Shift your focus to those who embrace your message.
Consider how God dealt with the world. Jesus first took the message to the Jews because they were His people. He came from among them and brought them the message of the Kingdom, but they rejected Him. John 1:11 (NIV) says, “He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.”
So, what did He do? He took the message to the Gentiles and to the whole world, and to this day, many are still receiving it. Praise God! The same happened with the apostle Paul. He had previously persecuted those who believed in Jesus Christ, standing against the Gospel. When he gave his heart to the Lord, many of his fellow Jews wouldn’t listen to him.
He was once their companion but when he became a Christian, they rejected him. Straightaway, Paul turned his attention to the Gentiles who happened to be the ones the Lord had originally sent him to (read Acts 26:16-18).
Also, Acts 13 tells us about Paul and Barnabas’s missionary efforts in Antioch in Pisidia. They were initially welcomed in the synagogue, but later on, they faced strong opposition from jealous Jewish leaders. In response to their rejection, they boldly said, “…It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles” (Acts 13:46).
You must never allow those who reject your message to determine the condition of your spirit or dampen your enthusiasm. Pray for them, intercede for them, but don’t let their rejection dissipate your passion to keep reaching others with the Gospel.
As you succeed in winning others, one day, they’ll be provoked and inspired to believe, just as the Bible says the Jews would be provoked by the salvation of the Gentiles and as a nation, they’ll eventually believe in Jesus Christ. Stay focused; keep reaching out, and trust in the power of the Gospel.
Prayer / Confession
I fix my gaze on God’s calling and continue to reach out with the Gospel, knowing that it’s the power of God unto salvation to them that believe. By His grace and the power of the Holy Spirit, I’m leading many to righteousness, and their hearts are turned to Christ. I’m indeed a light to the world. Hallelujah!u
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