It's not always the case, but it is often those closest to you who have the hardest time receiving from you. "He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him (John 1:11)." Here are a few things to keep in mind when your family or friends don't support or understand your vision:
1. Be committed in your pursuit regardless of those you feel don't understand. If God has granted you clearance, remember that there are more for you than against you (2 Kings 6:16). Remain committed.
2. Don't resent others. They just don't understand your vision. Don't get bitter, hold grudges, or get offended! You'll have those who don't understand, but you'll also have those who do understand. Just make the vision plain and clear, so when others read [grasp] it, there will be those who grasp and carry it out speedily. (Habakkuk 2:2)
3. Don't argue. No need to argue with others over something they can't see. God gave the vision to you, not them. Learn how to cordially and maturely voice your concerns without attitude.
4. Don't wrestle with changing minds. Be passionate! People are drawn to passion. But don't feel that you have to make others get what God has given you. People will recognize your passion even if they don't recognize your vision. Who wouldn't recognize fire when it's burning in the midst of others?
5. Insulate yourself. Insulation is protection. Protect your thoughts and your heart. Obviously, it can be dispiriting when those close to you don't support you. Some will even distance themselves from you because when people's lifestyles are challenged to be more and do more, they become uncomfortable. Some may even get envious and develop ill feelings toward your passion. Your responsibility is to keep yourself insulated. Pray constantly to release ill feelings to God. "Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life (Proverbs 4:23)."
6. Get results. Someone once said, "Don't talk about it. Be about it." Allow Holy Spirit to produce results through you. Results silence the unbelievers. When naysayers and doubters try to make an example out of you, allow the Spirit of God to work through you. (Matthew 10:18-20)
7. Stay humble. The Hebrew word for "humble" is "tapeinoo," which means to dismiss reliance upon self. Humility keeps us in a state of understanding that anything that we have accomplished is as a result of our reliance upon God and not self. "Pride leads to destruction, and arrogance to downfall (Proverbs 16:18).""Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor (James 4:10)."
8. Trust God. This is #1. No if, and's, or but's about it!! I love that the word "trust" in Hebrew is "batach," which means to throw yourself down upon your face. This shows that "trust" is a position or a posture, and it stresses the importance of lowering ourselves and keeping constant communion with God. So, if you've had thoughts like"I don't understand why they don't show support." "I don't understand why they don't back me." "Where's the love at?" No need to fret over what you don't understand. Posture yourself and commune with the Lord. "Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5)."
God will surround you with those needed. And what you may not realize is that you're supported by and impacting more than you know.