Opposition is a word that we all recognize. In fact, in life it’s VARIOUS oppositions that we will encounter along the way. Words such as: resisting, combating, antagonizing or hostility is involved with opposition. We know that as we walk with God we’ll be combated with opposing forces……that’s nothing new. Any time we are in warfare, the spirit against the flesh, we can expect opposition. Our topic this month turns our attention from the negative to the positive, "WHAT CAN OPPOSITION DO FOR ME?" We know that the enemy comes to kill, steal and to destroy, but we choose how we accept whatever he throws our way! We have the power to make it work in our favor if we want to!
Be Blessed,
Dr. Sherman S. Watkins
"WHAT CAN OPPOSITION DO FOR ME"
Most of us can quote the very familiar verse found in Romans 8:28, "AND WE KNOW that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." We’ve read it over and over again and we’ve heard it preached in every which way it can be preached. We’ve even referred others to this same verse when they were going through various ordeals in their life. We’re quick to say,"you know what Romans 8:28 says..." We even change our tone to place emphasis on the words, ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD TO THEM!!! -> And while all of this is true and definitely straight from the Word of God, how many will be honest enough to admit that you’ve said to yourself or even to others, "Where’s the good in THIS?" -> "THIS," being whatever it was that you were dealing with at that particular time. It’s nothing to be ashamed of because we’ve all at one time or the other questioned the ways of God or the methods that God uses. In order for us to gain anything positive from OPPOSITION, we have to look at the opposing forces that we’re dealing with and recognize who we are in Christ.
Whenever we try to accomplish anything significant for the Lord we will always face opposition. The devil never bothers with half-hearted people who are content with a mediocre spiritual existence. It’s only when the enemy sees that you are zealous and determined to serve God in the beauty of holiness, despite all opposing forces that he tries to attack us by any means necessary. It’s such a truth to this type of warfare that the enemy doesn’t want us to talk about it. If you’re walking around with one foot in the world and one in the church, the devil won’t trouble you. You can go to church, even sit down and read your Bible, and he doesn’t mind because he knows you’re still open for anything he throws for you to get into. But the minute you wake up from your spiritual nap and decide, I’m going to live holy if it’s the last thing I do, and YOU COMMIT yourself to the obedience of God - then you will encounter spiritual opposition. WHEN THE ENEMY OPPOSES US AS WE KNOW HE WILL, WE SHOULD ALWAYS RESPOND WITH PRAYER, CONSISTENCY AND PRAISE! God always honors commitment to Him so We have to make OPPOSITION work in OUR FAVOR!!! The best defense against the tactics of the enemy is to be AWARE of the types of opposition that he uses. Needless to say, he generally uses the same kinds of opposition but he changes the people or the situations that uses to make it happen. 1) He will use the anger of others in his attempt to steal your joy. 2) He uses mockery and sarcasm. (3) Threats and intimidation; (4) Negativity; discouragement, exhaustion and also fear of the unknown. We have to remember that WORRYING IS THE GREATEST THIEF OF JOY, but once we know the enemy’s methods we’ll be better equipped to deal with his tactics - and for anything that he brings our way, our response remains the same….. Isaiah 54:17, "NO WEAPON that is formed against thee (ME) shall prosper!"