Have you ever faced problems in your life that were difficult to overcome? If you have, you know that life has opposition. How did the Lord help you through that situation? What did the Lord teach you through that experience?
We live in a sinful world and there is continued opposition as people and nations pursue their own selfish desires. In the Bible there are there are many examples of people facing opposition.
- Moses – was directed by God to free Israel but opposed by Pharaoh
- Nehemiah – knew God wanted him to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and was opposed by nearby nations
- Jesus – brought the Good News of the Kingdom of God to the people but was opposed by Satan.
- Apostle Paul – proclaimed the news of Jesus on every mission trip but opposed in every town.
Life is filled with opposition, but the Lord can use these situations to shape and mold us. Just as trees are strengthened and grow deep roots in response to storms, storms in life can helps us grow deeper in faith and reliance on the Lord.
Jephthah Faced the Opposition of the Ammonites
God allowed the nation of Ammon to oppress the nation of Israel because God’s people had strayed away. Judges 11: 4 At about this time, the Ammonites began their war against Israel. 5 When the Ammonites attacked, the elders of Gilead sent for Jephthah in the land of Tob. 6 The elders said, “Come and be our commander! Help us fight the Ammonites!” [1]
Jephthah, the leader of the Israelites, depended on the Lord to lead them to victory over the Ammonites. It was the Lord, through His mercy, patience, and power, who went ahead to prepare the victory. Jephthah overcame the opposition as the Lord worked through him. God will do the same for you.
You Will Face Opposition in Your Life
The Lord wants us to depend on His strength, wisdom, and comfort as we face difficult life situations. The world may not recognize nor understand the victory the Lord gives us over opposition. A person may die of disease, but through this the person was brought to greater faith. As a Christian, you may experience persecution, but God can use this to refine you, deepen your faith, and grow your dependance on Him.
John 16:33“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” [2]
Prayer
Lord, I seem to be facing opposition that is crushing me down. I know that You are aware of my situation and I pray that You would give strength, patience and endurance as I walk through this storm. Thank you, Lord, for Your word that helps me to look up and depend on You. Lord, You are no stranger to opposition, and I praise You for giving Your life for me so I could be saved. Amen.
To hear more about how to handle the opposition in life, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/faith-makes-a-difference-jephthah
[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.