Opposition

What does the bible say about opposition? God has a beautiful plan for each of his children but so does the devil. The bible says that “Our enemy, the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

Often, situations and people will try to discourage us from what God has for us. But this is just a tactic of the evil one, because we are told that “we are not fighting against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the power of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). We are not fighting people or situations but the devil.

The great news is that the devil was already defeated on the cross. We are told in Colossians 2:15 that Jesus “disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” The devil has no power over us, his deceiving schemes are geared towards our mind, but again, he is powerless. Do NOT give him any power by entertaining thoughts of anxiety, fear or despair! The bible encourages us in Ephesians 4:27 to “not give the devil a foothold” and to “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10). God does NOT ask us to be strong in ourselves but IN HIM.

Our part is to stand firm in our faith. The scripture says to “resist the devil, and he will flee from us” (James 4:7). Always remember that “God is with us, he will never leave us, nor forsake us” (Deuteronomy 31:6). When we face opposition (or attack from the enemy) and start getting anxious, we start praying to God and remember his promises.

One of my favorite scriptures is Philippians 4:6-7

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all human understanding, will guide your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Make it personal and declare it out loud: “The peace of God, that surpasses all human understanding guards my mind and heart in Jesus Christ” and God will make it happen. He is faithful.

It is vital that we shift our focus from “what we experience” on God, and do it ON PURPOSE. It will not come naturally to us in these moments. Remember God’s promise from Isaiah 26:3: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast (all whose thoughts are fixed on you, not people or circumstances)”. The Lord advised other people in the scripture to “Be careful, keep calm and don’t be afraid. Do not lose heart…” (Isaiah 7:4).

We are advised to “put on the full armor of God (His truth, His righteousness, His peace, faith, salvation and His word/promises) so that when the day of evil comes, we may be able to stand our ground, and after we have done everything, to STAND” (Ephesians 6:13).

Let’s FIGHT to keep our peace and stand firm in the faith! It is our right and position in Christ. For “no weapon formed against us shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against us in judgement we shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and our righteousness is from the Lord” (Isaiah 54:17).

Peace, love and faith from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.