“Gamaliel the Pharisee said to the council, ‘So in the present case, I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone; because if this plan or this undertaking is of human origin, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them—in that case you may even be found fighting against God!’” (Acts 5:38-39)
We all have times of struggle – when life can seem to be a battle. I think this text helps us to take a different view. If our ministry is ‘of God’, it will increase. It is, however, no guarantee that it will be ‘smooth sailing’! At such times, each of us is challenged to hand things over to God. And I think that worrying less and trying to control less is more likely to help us find creative solutions to any difficulties.
‘Fighting against God’ is likely to be a foreign concept to young people. I think that we can ‘fight against God’ when we don’t use our gifts and talents OR only use them in selfish ways. Our role is to give young people the chance to glimpse the good in themselves – as well as affirming the good that we glimpse. Using our gifts and talents for others and ourselves is the way to happiness – and the full life toward which God calls each of us.
Have a great week!
Patrick
livedgospel 
Hi Pat, Yes, Pat our gifts and talents need to be used to empower and nurture the young to find theirs. If we hide then they will too…don’t they say it doesn’t do any good for us to hide our gifts. Pat, Colin and I saw a delightful film last week: CHEF…my goodness it had so many worthwhile themes: finding your purpose, friendship, young teaching the old, father and son relationships, responsibility, creativity… Hope you can see it one day. Maree
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