And Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom?” And Saul eyed David from that day on.
--1 Samuel 18:8-9
After we experience victory, we need to be prepared to face opposition. It’s just a fact of life. You and I need to accept that envy is going to raise its ugly head.
For example, after David defeated Goliath, King Saul was jealous of David. His interpretation was that David’s victory equaled his loss. And as the women danced and sang in the streets celebrating David’s accomplishment, emotions of envy and jealousy rose in Saul’s heart.
As a result, God’s Spirit departed from Saul’s life and he grew increasingly disturbed and frustrated under the hand of discipline from the Lord.
Haven’t you seen this happen? Maybe it’s even happened to you personally. You receive a blessing from God, or experience a success in some aspect of your life, and before you know it, you’re confronted with opposition, anger, or jealousy. It’s the enemy’s way.
Don’t let the opposition keep you from praising God. If you are determined to love God and live for him, you will meet this kind of opposition, sometimes even within the camp of God.
Maintain the victory! Give God the glory and he will take care of the opposition.
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:”
Luke 12:6–8
The story goes that a young man who had been converted under John Wesley’s preaching was so excited to be saved that he began attempting to preach on the streets, telling those who passed by about Jesus. He had little training or education, and was not a greatly gifted speaker. After listening for a few moments, a man interrupted his message and said, “Young man, you cannot preach; you ought to be ashamed of yourself!” Immediately he responded, “So I am, but I am not ashamed of my Lord!”
One of the most effective tools of Satan to hinder our witness is the fear of embarrassment. Often when we have an opportunity to speak to someone about the gospel, or to pray in public, or to say something when others deride Christians in our presence we remain silent. We allow the possibility that we might be made fun of or mocked to keep us from speaking. But the more we love God and the more we know of His Word and walk in the power of His Spirit, the more bold we will be. “And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits” (Daniel 11:32).
The further our society goes from the truth of God, the less welcoming they become to those who speak that truth. But we must not allow the scorn or criticism of others to keep us from boldly declaring what God has said.
Today’s Growth Principle:
Never stay silent when the Spirit of God prompts you to speak, no matter who is listening or watching. DON’T LET OPPOSITION KEEP YOU FROM PRAISING GOD!
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