face off!

“And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron… And when Moses heard it, he fell upon his face…”(Numbers 16: 3,4).

Let’s face it: we all just hate to be wrong! It’s even worse when others think we’re wrong when we know we’re right. But like Moses found out, it’s inevitable that people will gather against us. Sometimes the accusation is on target and valid; other times, it’s not.

But what is our response to opposition? How do we face it? Besides the usual wound to our pride, where do we go from there?

Moses models something here that is so contrary to our nature. Instead of falling on those who were wrongfully opposing him, he fell on his face before the Lord. We want to strike back, even the score, give them a piece of our mind. But honestly, where does that usually get us? Usually nowhere! We face off, square off, and bomb out.

Perhaps Moses’ approach might yield better results. Having some “face time” with the Lord will undoubtedly prove more productive than “facing off” with our opposition. But what does it mean for us to fall on our faces before Him? Here are a few thoughts for your consideration.

First, falling on our face before the Lord can express humility. 1 Peter 5:6 says, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.” It’s so much wiser to let the Lord defend and justify us rather than trying to do it ourselves. He’s much better at it, and His timing is always perfect!

Second, falling our face before God can express inquiry. In Psalm 139:23,24 David asks the Lord, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Jonathan Edwards, a preacher during the early years of our nation, made a habit out of seriously weighing and praying about any criticism of him no matter how baseless he thought it was. Ask the Lord if there’s an element of truth in the opposition, even if it’s not delivered in an easy-to-stomach package.

Third, face time with the Lord will eventually bring about God’s glory. When we allow God to work in our lives through whatever opposition we’re facing, He has this way of doing something glorious with it. Jesus Himself found this to be true. When He was facing the greatest opposition of His life, Mt. 26:39 tells us He fell on His face and prayed that the will of the Father would be done. As a result, He won our forgiveness on the cross, the most glorious act the world has ever known.

Facing some opposition this week? Perhaps it's at work, in the classroom, or within your family. Instead of falling upon your opposition, fall on your face before the Lord. Humble yourself before Him, seek His wisdom and His will. Like Moses, get on your face & make some room for the Lord to work - He’s sure to make something glorious out of it! Face it - He's the only one who can!