“A great door for effective work has opened to me,
and there are many who oppose me.”
(I Corinthians 16:9)
Food For Thought… We are accustomed to associating open doors and effective work with freedom from opposition, but such is not the case. In fact, every open door will be strongly opposed by Satan. Effectiveness in our work only invites resistance from our Enemy. Rather than rolling over and playing dead, Satan resists every good work of God, and the more successful that work is, the fiercer the fight he will put up.
If you have stepped out in faith to do something for God, opposition will come. Wear it as a badge of honor. Take it as a sign that you are on the right track. Use it as motivation to press into God for more grace. The more you are opposed, the more you should ramp up your commitment to carry through on what you have been called to do. And whatever else you might do because of opposition, do not give up! It is very likely that the greatest opposition Satan will throw at you will come right before your breakthrough moment.
Have you taken a step to share your faith with an unbeliever? Don’t be surprised if they suddenly appear disinterested or get distracted. Don’t give up! Are you praying for an unbelieving spouse or family member? Don’t get discouraged if conviction is accompanied by sudden grouchiness. Don’t back off! Have you taken a step to tithe your income to the Lord? It is quite possible that a financial test will be thrown your way. Press in with your commitment! Have you taken on a new ministry? Be prepared for various kinds of opposition. Don’t quit! Have you rearranged your life for a closer walk with God? It should come as no shock that your quiet time will get interrupted early and often. Don’t let it!
Satan doesn’t want you doing anything for God. And the greater the faith, the greater the obedience, the greater the potential impact, the greater the effective work and open door you have before you, the greater the Satanic opposition you will face.
But greater is He that is within you than he that is opposing you! (I John 4:4). So go with the Greater!
Prayer… Lord, teach me to embrace opposition as opportunity for greater kingdom impact.
One More Thing… “Satan, the Hinderer, may build a barrier about us, but he can never roof us in, so that we cannot look up.” —J. Hudson Taylor
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