Dear one,
Resistance:
For several years now, a concept underlying the word “resistance” has become increasingly important to me. That is, I now realize that my tendencies “to resist” indicate much about my spiritual/mental/emotional health—although I’m not always aware of those tendencies, until they manifest themselves, sometimes with less than healthy or positive outcomes.
Derived from Latin, the word “resistance” has within it “to stop” or “to stand against,” suggesting that “resistance” blocks or prevents. Culturally “resistance” often indicates that which inhibits or retards, or that one who impedes the actions of others. Thus “resistance” is more likely to be progressive or continuous, rather than immediate and absolute.
In late June I shared with you that my hope was “to give concerted effort to the novels” I’ve been writing, as well as to The Great Opening, a working resource to Mark’s Gospel. Admittedly, I also shared that “Another’s agenda has preempted my ordering,” delaying my desire to write a fourth novel. However, I did not note that during the two or three weeks previously, I greatly resisted redirecting my writing efforts. Virtually unsolicited, I had received the formatting and publishing help necessary to make The Great Opening a reality.
As you have seen, that reality is now being published through Amazon/KDP, and within the next few days I’ll be transporting 75 copies of The Great Opening, Volume 1 to Uganda, 50 of those editions having been translated into Lango, a northern Ugandan dialect.
Of course, and with a wry smile, I am very pleased with the finished result, and prayerfully I hope Volume 1 will greatly aid pastors, who have so few resources. But again, I resisted, and yet, if I reconsider those days of early June, I would have done well to ask: “Why are you resisting?” or better yet, “Who are you resisting?” The answers to these two questions do not necessarily mean that resistance is wrong-headed; but if I’d recognized my resistance, I might honestly have acknowledged the One, whose plan and timetable I was resisting. And very likely, the publication of The Great Opening—as well as the rewriting of The Sent One, a working resource to John’s Gospel—would have occurred with far less stress. But I resisted.
Jesus once offered a parable of two sons, whose father asked each of them: “Son, go and work in the field today.” The first son said “No,” but eventually did as asked. The second son said “Yes,” but chose not to go (cf. Matthew 21:28ff.). It occurs to me that each son resisted his father, but the resistance of the second was far more significant—and yet initially he appeared to be the “good” son.
In truth, those of us who should be most open to receiving a “quiet nudge,” “a thoughtful word,” “a spiritual idea” might be very prone to resisting those promptings of “faith, hope, and love.” Who and what am I resisting, and why? have become telling questions for me.
With less resistance?
Stan
Ps. After nearly four years, on September 21 I return to Uganda, in order to lead 25 pastors in Mark’s Gospel via The Great Opening. During those Uganda Days, I hope to share two or three blogs with you. Please pray with me.