Are you moving forward despite opposition? Or is it difficult to move forward with God’s plan for your life? Do you sense there is an opposing force pitted against you? The Apostle Paul gives us insight into the great spiritual battle that is taking place all around us. The Lord also gives us insight into the spiritual weapons at our disposal to repel the attacks of the enemy. Ephesians 6:10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.[1]
With God’s Help We Can Move Forward in the Battle
When Nehemiah was overseeing the rebuilding of the walls in Jerusalem, the builders faced opposition. The same evil forces Paul speaks of in Ephesians six were working behind the scenes in people like Sanballat and Tobiah.
Ephesians 6:12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. [2] The good news is the Lord gives us powerful tools to fight back against the enemy and move forward in the battle. One of the weapons that Nehemiah used to repel the attacks of the enemy was prayer.
Nehemiah 4: 4 Then I prayed, “Hear us, our God, for we are being mocked. May their scoffing fall back on their own heads and may they themselves become captives in a foreign land! 5 Do not ignore their guilt. Do not blot out their sins, for they have provoked you to anger here in front of the builders.” 6 At last the wall was completed to half its height around the entire city, for the people had worked with enthusiasm. [3]
The Lord is With You in Your Battle
It is good news that we don’t battle alone along our spiritual journey, for the Lord is with us. Our spiritual journey is a constant process of trying to move forward, although at times we may stumble and go backward. It is at this point we need to ask the Lord to help us get up. Perhaps that is where you are today, and you need God’s help to move forward once again.
As we put on God’s armor, we can stand firm against all strategies of the devil. We also need to remember this battle won’t end until we are safe in the arms of Jesus. It would be wonderful as a Christian to reach a point in life where we would be above it all and no longer be susceptible to the enemy and our own sin. Unfortunately, this spiritual fight will rage throughout our lives on earth. So, keep your armor on. Be aware and alert. And constantly move forward despite opposition.
To hear more about moving forward despite opposition, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/rebuilding-unfinished-hope-opposition
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.