by: Dr. Allen Domelle
Mark 3:21
“And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself.”
When you serve the LORD, you are going to find there will be people who are not as excited about what you are doing as you are. Many times, these who discourage you will be people who you would expect to be your encouragers. In spite of their well-meaning actions, you are going to have to find a way to overcome their discouraging words and actions.
Jesus faced the same discouraging people who you face. The first group that tried to discourage him was his family. The verse above says, “And when his friends heard of it…they said, He is beside himself.” Later in verse 31, His brethren and His mother were standing outside. They were not just standing there; they were the “friends” who had come to stop Him. You will also discover that not only did His family try to discourage Him, but also His friends, acquaintances, and the religious leaders. What do you do when those who should be your encouragers try to discourage you from following the LORD’s will in your life?
First, He didn’t expect them to understand what He was doing. You have to understand that the LORD spoke to your heart, not theirs. Don’t get upset with them because they don’t understand the LORD’s working in your heart. One day they will see it, but for the present time, you have to take your encouragement from the fact that you know what the LORD wants you to do. Friend, this isn’t the first time others have misunderstood you, and they probably won’t understand what you are doing when you step out by faith. Realize they are probably acting out of concern that you are going to hurt yourself.
Second, He didn’t attack them. You will see in every response that Jesus never one time tried to attack those who were trying to discourage Him. The worst thing you can do is to attack those who misunderstand what the LORD is doing in your heart. That will only give them more reason to believe that you are not acting “sanely.” The best way to act when people try to discourage you is to love them; don’t attack them.
Third, He didn’t let them sway Him from what He was supposed to do. It is so important that you keep doing what you are supposed to do even though it is tempting to stop so that you can explain to them what is happening in your life. The Devil will use these situations to get you distracted from doing God’s will for your life. Don’t let him distract you. Continue what you know as the LORD’s will for your life.
Fourth, He allowed time to show them He was right. It is interesting that while Christ was on the cross, He directly addressed His family. I believe it was at this moment that they finally understood most of the picture. Of course, they didn’t understand the whole picture until after He arose from the grave. Time is always on your side. One day they will see you are doing exactly what you are supposed to be doing if you will continue following God’s will for your life.
Nobody has ever done God’s will without being misunderstood. Let these remainders be your guide and encouragement in those times when those whom you expect to encourage you are discouraging you.