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Expecting Opposition
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go. For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit. But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost. For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.”
1 Corinthians 16:6–9
Although there are some who teach that the Christian life is an uninterrupted succession of blessings followed by happiness that leads to relaxation and enjoyment in great abundance, this is not what we find in God’s Word. While God does bless His children, He does not promise us a life of ease. Everyone who has accomplished great things for His Kingdom has done so in the face of obstacles. In fact if we are not being resisted and opposed by the forces of evil, it is probably an indication that we are not doing what we should for God.
If we are doing something meaningful and important for God, we should not expect things to go smoothly. The night before the crucifixion Jesus told His disciples, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). If our perfect Lord was violently and bitterly opposed, why should we expect acceptance and ease?
Rather than looking to the world for comfort, we should expect opposition while knowing the Lord Himself will comfort our hearts. Rather than being discouraged by obstacles, we should be encouraged knowing that Jesus has overcome the world and can give us peace through the difficulties. In fact, sometimes opposition is a sign that we are making a difference for God. Even Paul found that God’s open doors of ministry didn’t come without spiritual conflict.
1 Corinthians 16:6–9
Although there are some who teach that the Christian life is an uninterrupted succession of blessings followed by happiness that leads to relaxation and enjoyment in great abundance, this is not what we find in God’s Word. While God does bless His children, He does not promise us a life of ease. Everyone who has accomplished great things for His Kingdom has done so in the face of obstacles. In fact if we are not being resisted and opposed by the forces of evil, it is probably an indication that we are not doing what we should for God.
If we are doing something meaningful and important for God, we should not expect things to go smoothly. The night before the crucifixion Jesus told His disciples, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). If our perfect Lord was violently and bitterly opposed, why should we expect acceptance and ease?
Rather than looking to the world for comfort, we should expect opposition while knowing the Lord Himself will comfort our hearts. Rather than being discouraged by obstacles, we should be encouraged knowing that Jesus has overcome the world and can give us peace through the difficulties. In fact, sometimes opposition is a sign that we are making a difference for God. Even Paul found that God’s open doors of ministry didn’t come without spiritual conflict.
Today’s Growth Principle:
The devil never gives up without a struggle, and if we are working for God, we can expect his opposition.
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