shake loose

[Jullianna]

Mark 6:1-6 "Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. 'Where did this man get these things?' they asked. 'What's this wisdom that has been given him, that he even does miracles! Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us?' And they took offence at him. Jesus said to them, 'Only in his hometown, among his relatives, and in his own house is a prophet without honour.' He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was amazed at their lack of faith."

When we come to know the Lord, it seems that it's most difficult for those who've been closest to us to accept it, doesn't it? And yet, one would hope it would serve as a witness to them of the awesome power of God. People who don't know Him have such difficulty with this because they have tried to change themselves and failed miserably, so it's difficult for them when someone else changes so drastically.

Do you know your value in Christ..who you are in Him? Do your family and friends appreciate this? Are they blind to it? Do they discourage you? Do they lead you to doubt yourself? Is your past an anchor God wants you to shake loose?

[AAAPlus]

Verses like this have been incredibly encouraging in my walk. I was raised Jewish, and that's what everyone in my family believes in. So when I became a Christian, they shunned me, pretty much disowning me for a long time. Although things have cooled down now (I became a Christian seven years ago) they still don't like it. When I tell them about Jesus they try to ignore me. They constantly notice amazing improvements in my life, and I always point them back toward Christ, but they simply don't accept it. It's discouraging...but I don't live with them anymore, so I'm free to grow in my walk with Christ, and that's just what I've been doing for the last seven years.

[kayem77]

Originally Posted by Jullianna

Mark 6:1-6 "Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. 'Where did this man get these things?' they asked. 'What's this wisdom that has been given him, that he even does miracles! Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us?' And they took offence at him. Jesus said to them, 'Only in his hometown, among his relatives, and in his own house is a prophet without honour.' He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was amazed at their lack of faith."

When we come to know the Lord, it seems that it's most difficult for those who've been closest to us to accept it, doesn't it? And yet, one would hope it would serve as a witness to them of the awesome power of God. People who don't know Him have such difficulty with this because they have tried to change themselves and failed miserably, so it's difficult for them when someone else changes so drastically.

Do you know your value in Christ..who you are in Him? Do your family and friends appreciate this? Are they blind to it? Do they discourage you? Do they lead you to doubt yourself? Is your past an anchor God wants you to shake loose?

You are totally right...I've had the most difficult time trying to witness to my family, especially my mom. Thank God I eventually have gotten my oldest brother interested in my faith, and he even agreed to go to church with me once , which is a great deal when you know his/our past. Baby steps, but I'm seeing a progress!

I have talked to part of my family about my faith (my family is very big) and although they were shocked at first, they just deal with it haha. I think the only one that has had a strongly negative reaction has been my mom....and yes she has tried to discourage me, and sometimes I have doubted myself but God has been my rock, and I know that he had a purpose when he placed me in this family. The good side about opening that door is that when it's already opened, you can't close it. I have noticed that although at first people are shocked, over the time they start asking questions about my faith and I see that as an opportunity to reach them out for God.

About my past...I also try to use it to witness to the ones that are in the same circle I was in, so even though i have left my old left behind and I dont want anything to do with it, I TRY to use it as a testimony.