Dealing with resistance

Resistance is a term that is often used in descriptions of spiritual movements. In its simplest terms, it is used to describe when we resist God’s action, but what exactly does that look like?

We can resist many things to which God might be calling us. For example:

We can resist change, even though change is a necessary part of life.
We can resist God’s asking to try new roles that are uncomfortable or not “in our wheelhouse.”
We can resist letting go.
We can resist a change in the way we are being invited to pray.
We can procrastinate.
We can even resist love.

I can think of many instances of resistance in my own life. For example, I only trained to be a Church Leader after resisting God’s call. After reflecting on God’s many generous gifts at youth camp, I offered to God, “Thank you. I will do absolutely anything for you!” I felt God say, “OK, be ready to lead a church.” My immediate response was, “Who me, you must be thinking of someone else!”

In retrospect, this seems amusing. So much for “I will do anything!” But I had real misgivings: How would I fit this into my already busy career? Also, What if I were not good at it? What if I messed up?

God patiently listened to my worries but then suggested, “Just ,” get ready, and worry about details later. I dragged my feet for a number of months, talked over with my wife if this really could be a call, and then talked it through with our then leadership, with trepidation signed up to the training.

Resistance might seem like a negative, but as one of the teachers at the AoG Leadership training said, “Whenever there is resistance, there also is God.” In other words, we don’t resist unless there is something to resist; God’s action is always there inside the resistance. So when we are helping others and observe resistance, it is helpful to be patient and to trust that God is still at work. If a person seems ready to hear it, we might help a person to notice resistance, but if things are still brewing, we also don’t have to rush another’s process—or our own. God is there, persisting.

Recently, I have started to wonder whether we might notice resistance not only in individual persons but also in relational dynamics. For example, consider a married couple who persists in arguing during a time of change. Arguing can be a way of staying connected—even though the connections can feel negative to both people. Or think about adolescents and young adults who want increased independence and autonomy but sometimes also want “just to be a kid.” This constant shifting between independence and connection can be trying. Parent and adult child alike may resist God’s call to relate to each other in a new way.

When we notice our own resistance, it can be helpful to (1) name it, (2) be kind and patient with ourselves, and (3) “act against” it, as Ignatius recommends. For example, I can think of a time when I was in a conflict with someone, and God nudged me to go and hug him. I really did not want to do it at all, but I acted against my own resistance and listened to God. Once I actually hugged them, all my resistance melted away, and warmth for my church family replaced it. God won, despite my resistance.

Where have you experienced resistance, and how did God help you to move past it?

Dave Food, 08/10/2023

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My name is Debbie, welcome.

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Planning your Visit

Welcome to Runnymede Christian Fellowship, an Egham Church

Runnymede Christian Fellowship is a church based in Egham but serving a much larger geographical area. Those who call us home come from Egham, Virginia Water, Staines, Englefield Green, Egham Hythe, Pooley Green, Maidenhead, Heathrow, Slough, Ashford, Thorpe, Windsor, Woking and beyond.

Our church is a community of believers who regularly meet to share life and show God's love. We do this by encouraging and serving each other and the community. We believe in the power of prayer and are always happy to pray for you.

Church - What to expect

Our Sunday service is available to stream online at 11:00 a.m. You can join us on Livestream or via Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube or X (Twitter).

The Sunday Service is now held at Strodes College, Strodes College Lane in Egham open to all, so if you would like to join us, please feel free to do so. If you have any questions, please call us on 01784 637010.

We run a physical Sunday School most weeks. If you would like your children to receive a weekly Sunday School teaching pack that you can do from home, please email us at admin@e-runnymede.co.uk so that we can send you the materials.

Church on Sunday at Strodes College, Egham

Our Sunday service starts at 11:00 a.m. and typically lasts about 90 minutes.

We start each service with lively worship with songs from around the world, followed by inspired Bible-based teaching. All our sermons are recorded and are available as a podcast after the service.

We have a monthly cycle of Sunday services, with our Communion Service being on the first Sunday of each month and an All-Age All-Nation Service on the second Sunday of each month. Our other Sunday services include Spirit-focused and teaching services.

We have consciously adopted being a blended church that is both for those online and face-to-face. You are welcome to join us on Livestream or via Facebook, Linkedin, YouTube, or X (Twitter), or you can catch up and watch the recordings later.

Joining us in person

Visiting a new and unfamiliar church for the first time can be intimidating, but we want to ensure you feel welcome and enjoy your time with us. A friendly face will be waiting to meet you at the entrance and welcome you.

Doors open at 10:30 a.m. for coffee and prayer. Our Sunday Service starts at 11:00 a.m. and typically runs for about 90 minutes, normally followed by tea and coffee.

Driving and Car Parking

Our Sunday Morning Service is now held at Strodes College, Strodes College Lane, Egham, TW20 9DR, which has plenty of Parking. Click on the link for directions to RCF.

We have plenty of parking spaces right outside the building. Spaces are reserved near the entrance for anyone with mobility problems (for those with a blue badge). Please let us know if you need to use one of these spaces, have any special needs, or require any assistance.

The car parking area is a public area, so please ensure that your children are under your control and that, for their safety, they do not run around in the car park.

Visiting with children?

Everyone is welcome at RCF. We encourage everyone, young and old, to join the service. We have Sunday School, which starts after worship and runs during the sermon for 30 to 40 minutes for children aged 4 to 12. On the second Sunday of each month, we have a shorter All-Aged All Nations Service, where the children stay for the worship and the sermon.

After Church

We chat over coffee and biscuits after church on the first, third and fourth Sundays. If you want to get more acquainted, why not join us for a Sunday lunch with some of our members? The meal is on us! Please contact us and let us know. We would love to share a meal and get to know you better!

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Any Questions?

If you have any questions, please review our FAQ page. Here, you’ll find answers to many common questions. If you still have questions or concerns, please contact us; we’d love to hear from you.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU TO RCF!!

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Our midweek Ministry base at Virginia Lodge, Egham
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