God’s work faces opposition because we have an enemy, satan, who works against God’s people and plans. As our enemy works against us, never forget the Lord is with us. We can pray and ask the Lord for divine guidance and protection when we face opposition. If we fall, we can ask the Lord to lift us and send others to help us.
When we forget the Lord is with us, we become discouraged, which is one of our enemies’ favorite weapons. It is easy to be discouraged when we focus on our circumstances instead of looking to the Lord for the help we need to overcome. The enemy tries to discourage us because as the Lord’s work expands, it pushes the darkness away and fills it with His light.
We can’t control our opposition in this spiritual battle but we can control how we respond. The Lord desires us to remain faithful no matter our circumstances and gives us the strength to do so. Ephesians 6:10A 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]
Rebuilding the Temple of God Faced Opposition
The Lord, in a remarkable way, moved upon the heart of King Cyrus of Persia to allow the Israelites to return to Israel. In addition, he moved upon his people to provide resources to rebuild the Temple. While God was at work to restore the Temple for the people to gather and worship, the enemy was also at work. Ezra 4:1The enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were rebuilding a Temple to the Lord, the God of Israel.[2]
As part of their opposition against the Israelites, they asked if they could help them rebuild the Temple, which was a plan to infiltrate and cause confusion. When this did not work, the local residents tried to discourage and frighten the exiles. Then they tried to bribe agents to work against them and frustrate their plans. The enemy continues to use the same tactics to discourage us from moving forward with the plans the Lord has in our life.
You Can Make a Difference
Our spiritual battle is real, but the Holy Spirit lives in us as believers. Listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit as you walk along your spiritual journey. Remember that God has given you spiritual authority. 2 Corinthians 10:4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.[3] Be persistent in your prayers and ask the Lord for wisdom, strength, and courage to win the battle.
To learn how God’s work faces opposition, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/journey-return
[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.
[3] The New King James Version (2 Co 10:4). (1982). Thomas Nelson.