The Defiant LifeSample

Defy Opposition

The Philistines and the children of Israel had a long-standing rivalry that spanned many generations. However, during David’s reign as king, he was able to defeat and subdue the Philistines. His battle with Goliath set the precedence for his continued dominance over them. One man’s defiance empowered a nation to regain its dominance over a ruthless and long-standing enemy. Furthermore, David’s defiance removed the reproach that was on his people and reinforced that they were people chosen by God.

Today, as the church, we are facing tremendous opposition to our faith, even to the extent of brutal persecution in various parts of the world. If we cower in fear, we will inevitably give up precious ground for Satan to continue to destroy lives and cities. We know that our fight is not against mere mortals but against rulers of the darkness that will not rest until they have had their fill of destruction. The battle lines have long since been drawn, but will we confront those powers of darkness that perpetuate injustice and moral depravity in our generation? Will we turn a blind eye in exchange for temporary solace? Will we conform to the standards of this world that contradict God’s standards in a bid for peace? If conformity to the world is the admission price for peace, it’s a high price to pay for something that is unattainable. Even Jesus said, “Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword” (Matt. 11:34). If we bear the name of Christ, we will be violently opposed. Nevertheless, it is in holding fervently to and standing up for our faith that we will defy the opposition. We need to be a generation that is not only zealous for the Lord but equally as courageous to stand out from the crowd and lead the charge as David did. Although David was young and merely a shepherd boy, he decided to get involved in a battle that had a tremendous impact on the course of his life and those of others. Today there are many battles we face as a church. Will you get involved? Will you stand up to make a difference? The battles you fight today can win the victory for future generations.