“And as he spoke to me, the Spirit entered into me and set me on my feet…, And he said, ‘Son of man, I send you to the people of Israel, to nations of rebels, who have rebelled against me. They and their fathers have transgressed against me to this very day. The descendants also are impudent and stubborn: I send you to them, and you shall say to them, “Thus says the Lord God.” And whether they hear or refuse to hear (for they are a rebellious house) they will know that a prophet has been among them. And you, son of man, be not afraid of them, nor be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you and you sit on scorpions. Be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, for they are a rebellious house. And you shall speak my words to them, whether they hear or refuse to hear, for they are a rebellious house…’”
“The Spirit lifted me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness in the heat of my spirit, the hand of the Lord being strong upon me… And I sat there overwhelmed among them seven days.” Ezekiel 2:2-7; 3:14,15b
Imagine being given a specific assignment that involves antagonism, ridicule, and rejection, then being told it would not even succeed. Imagine the consternation, the questioning why, the visceral resistance to ineffective, wasted effort. Imagine the dread of loneliness, ostracism, and vitriol. Ezekiel knew all these, and was overwhelmed. Then imagine the hidden, serene soul delight of obedience, the Spirit’s sustaining, and intimacy with the Lord. God placed on His prophet great accountability, then met him with His word, His glory, and His enabling Spirit. (Ezekiel 3:16-24a,27)
It may be our penchant to ask why, to prefer our own tidy plans, to avoid conflict, opposition and failure. But God’s ways are far beyond ours, reaching inner depths and higher boundaries than we even surmise. His purposes transcend human definitions of success and goodness. When we choose to trust Him and not the particulars of any assignment, we are free to follow with confidence in His promises. No matter the human reaction or earthly outcome, we can know that He is working a glory beyond what we could imagine. (1 Samuel 16:7; Isaiah 55:8-9; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18)
God’s intent is that He be known and revered, and His word be honored. He knows that ease and lack of friction produce selfishness and provincial thinking. He disdains pride and idolatry and will not stand for rebellion. He always succeeds in His plans. (Job 42:2; Isaiah 46:10; Ezekiel 6:5-10)
Where are we frustrated with incessant opposition? Where are we clambered with painful rejection, repeated closed doors, nagging doubt about a path forward?
Are there facets to God’s character we have seen anew, joys in His palpable presence, skills we have learned in the wearying practice? What rough edges has He smoothed, fiesty impatience is He taming? Who has heard our message of truth or testimony to His faithfulness who might later come to accept it and be saved forever?
Lord, keep me faithful to Your commands, no matter the earthly outcome. Help me trust, love, and honor You above all.
As the rain and snow 
“He always success
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