What do you do with opposition?

What is opposition? It is something that opposes you. Opposition is something that tries to stop you, or discourage you, or deter you. It is something that gets in the way with intent. Its intention is that you do not progress. In spiritual terms, a bit like the devil trying to stop you from getting ahead.

Jesus met a lot of opposition. I was thinking of the various reasons they opposed Him: they said He was a Nazarene. They said He was not of the linage of David. They said He was too young. They said they knew His family, and because of this His claims of being the Son of God was bogus. They said He healed on the Sabbath; an abnormally and an abuse of the sacred day. They said He ate and fellowshipped with sinners. They complained that He spoke with women and allowed them to come close.

They complained about everything that made Him Him. They complained about the way He accomplished His mission. It is a bizarre thing when no one complains about you. I mean when you are doing all that God has told you to do, when you are being faithful and true – it is almost impossible that they will not notice you and bring accusations.

If you are in such a tight place as Jesus was, I ask you to see yourself as being in a race. Be encouraged that you are obedient enough to run. Our race is not for a day or two. It is not a month. Our race is over a lifetime. Our goal is an eternal price. There are so many obstacles. It is like driving a car. Imagine you set out to drive from your house to work in the morning. There might be a train crossing the tracks, bringing down the gates. There might be workmen on the roads with their white and orange cones obstructing your path. There might have been an accident as there often is, with long delays of traffic. Should all of these stop you from getting to your destination? No. These bothers did not stop Jesus from getting to His destination – the Cross. And so rather than give in to these bothers, let us see our lives as a racing field; and see our goal as finishing the race we have started.

And now is not the time to turn back, throw in the towel or fume. Now is the time to be persistent, courageous and determined. Now is the time to see the value of your faith in Jesus. And because of its invaluable value, persist despite your opposition and make sure you win the price.

It seems easier said than done, especially when you are the one in the eye of the storm. Then get all the help you can – from God. Pray and rely on praying. Intensify your prayer life, and get around friends who are not nay sayers, maybe sayers, can’t-beGdone people. get around people who are strong in God.

Linda Faith
Linda faith is the Editor in Chief of Jewels Magazine. She has authored eight books. She is a prolific writer and powerful speaker, inspiring many women to be all God has called them to be. She is the founder of Joy Women’s conference which reaches out to empower, inspire and motivate women in their faith walk. She was a software developer before she started writing.