Don’t Fear Scoffers – 3 Ways They Give Us Courage in Ministry

Ever feel afraid while serving in ministry?  Scoffers gonna scoff. Here’s how to encourage your heart and find peace and courage in ministry. 

Serving the Lord can be lots of things that are wonderful.

We often help people when they are at their lowest point. We see that sharing the gospel can change lives, and we are growing closer to the Lord on our journey.

But some days stink. And all because of fear.

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Although there are many things we could be afraid of, I believe some of the scariest days are those when the only things we hear are the voices of the scoffers (and then the memories of the voices of the scoffers!).

Thankfully, with lots of prayers, I found ways to find courage in ministry, specifically when faced with scoffers.

Today, I’d like to share them with you so you can be courageous and encouraged in your ministry!

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Courage in Ministry – Scripture Says to Expect the Scoffers

One of the first reasons we should be encouraged when we hear scoffing is that scripture says to expect it.

Look at 2 Peter 3:3, which reads, “Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.” (NIV).

This verse has several unique phrases. For example, it starts with ‘above all’ and goes right to ‘you must understand.’ It mentions the ‘last days’ and says ‘scoffers will come.’

So, here’s what that verse means to me.

First, with an introduction like that, the topic of scoffers should be a high priority for all of us serving in ministry.

Peter wants us to understand, or to know, that this WILL happen.

So, if we believe the Bible to be true, we shouldn’t be surprised when someone scoffs at what we believe and say as Christ followers.

Instead, we should expect scoffers—maybe even actually look for them. Scripture tells us they will come, but we don’t know exactly when the last days will occur.

I also think Peter is saying, ‘My friend in ministry, it’s not about you-you didn’t mess up!’

Scoffers are not mocking us because we failed.

It’s a sign that our belief in Christ is visible.

That is a great thing!

This realization helped me stop looking at someone scoffing at me as a failure in delivering my service.

I want that for you, too.

Have courage in your ministry, friends, because the Scripture we believe is true, and we are doing something right in our actions.

Be encouraged and find courage in ministry because Scripture and our beliefs are confirmed by the reactions of the scoffers in front of us. 

Courage in Ministry: Scoffers Are Motivated to Action

The way scoffer is used teaches us that these people are not accepting of the Lord at all.

They are actively rejecting His Lordship and teaching and living out their desires and lusts.

And we can’t expect them to behave like a Christian.

The word scoffer is an active verb. It means to mock or scorn, and in Hebrew, it can translate as an ambassador. These people are pulled to action.

They feel led to ridicule because they believe they are ambassadors for the opposing side.

They do not believe in what we are sharing and feel compelled to speak (or shout) about the falsity of our message and truth.

Our ministry action is a catalyst for their scoffing. Their goal is to mock our truth, discredit our message (and us), and recruit others to join their side.

We’re told to expect them, but we don’t have to stand there and take it or continue to try to convince them to listen to us.

“If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.” (Matthew 10:14) (NIV).

So, be encouraged and have courage in ministry because Matthew 10:14 reminds us that it is right to move on to find other people who will accept the Lord’s truth.

Be Encouraged & Have Courage in Ministry: It Isn’t Personal

Finally, serving in ministry, albeit wonderful, can be stressful.

It can be exhausting physically, mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually.

It is important to see what scoffers are – part of God’s plan.

And what it is not – a reflection of how we perform in our ministry. It is not a sign that we should stop.

We are all part of the church body and perform key roles. Letting scoffers get in our heads can interfere with the wellness of our entire church.

So, it is important to be kind to ourselves.

We need to take care of ourselves when we serve in ministry so we can discern what is true.

In closing, yes, scoffers are going to scoff.

But now, instead of letting their actions bring us fear, we know they can give us courage in ministry.

God’s words tell us to understand that it will happen, that it’s not a sign that we are failing, that it is right to move on to share our ministry with others, and that it’s part of God’s plan.

These are lots of good reasons to have courage in ministry!

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This post was originally published on September 30, 2022