Word of the Week - Opposition

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10

Opposition is a reality of the world we inhabit during our time here on earth.  As a result of original sin, God allows the enemy of our soul to exist as an opposing force of darkness  in our world and in our lives.  If you have lived any life and are aware of what is going on around you, you will see this force at work.   The “Good News” is that through the cross we have been equipped with the power and victory of Christ to overcome the enemy/opposer.  The key is to understand and recognize that we are in battle, and we have a real enemy trying to destroy us.  The opposer’s simple objective is to keep us from being effective in living out our God mission and purpose while we are here on earth.  This enemy is ruthless and will attack us in our most vulnerable areas such as marriages, families, and close relationships.  The enemy will do everything he can to destroy our key relationships to keep us from realizing our potential in Christ and living to the full.  But be encouraged because God has equipped us with all that we need to overcome “For God does not give us a spirit of fear and timidity but one of power love and self-discipline”.  2 Timothy 1:7So how do we fight the good fight and overcome the opposer of our soul?  Mostly by recognizing that we have an enemy and calling upon the Lord who is our protector and strength through a daily abiding relationship with Christ.  We must remain covered in Christ through prayer, fellowship, staying in the Word, and worship of the living God, this is our shield of defense.  But we can and should also take an offensive stance by using our “sword of the spirit” which is God’s Word combined with praying in the Spirit against the attacks of the enemy.Handling opposition is difficult, especially if the opposition is from those you love.  Jesus faced opposition continually, even from those in His own family who said, “He’s out of his mind” (Mark 3:21).  In addition, Jesus also faced opposition from the teachers of the law who remarked, “He’s possessed by Satan” (v. 22).In Psalm 37: 1-7, King David, “a man after God’s heart” gave us a great prescription for handling opposition:

• Trust in the Lord – “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture” Psalm 37:3  See the attack/opposition for what it is and don’t make the problem yours.  Give it to God and invite Him to lead you in the process of fighting the battle.  Our God is way bigger than our opposition and enemy.
• Delight in the Lord – “Take delight in the Lord, dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.” Psalm 37: 4  Keep your focus on the delightful and powerful relationship with God.  Remember what God has done in your life and “Give thanks in all circumstances” 1 Thes 5:17
• Commit your battle plan to the Lord – “Commit your way to the Lord; trust Him and He will do this; He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun”.  Psalm 37: 5-6  Shift the weight of the opposition from your shoulders onto the shoulder of your God who is more able to carry it.  “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30
• Be Still/Patient and wait upon the Lord – “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.” Psalm 37:7  How quickly we desire to attack and take matters into our own hands and begin to “fight hand to hand”.  We must learn the discipline of waiting upon the Lord to go ahead of us and clear the path for victory.  “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” Proverbs 27:14

Trust, delight, commit and be still, and in the end you will see victory over your opposition and experience the true joy of the Lord.  In the process, God uses the opposition and process to build you into a mighty warrior in Christ so that you can realize all that He has called you to be in Him.Have a great week.-Duane