Hitting Opposition

Lesson:

It is a myth that God’s work will be smooth. Jesus told us clearly, “Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also'” (John 15:20). Jesus also said, "'I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world'" (John 16:33).

We will have trouble. We will experience opposition. Nehemiah had plenty of opposition. There were people in the region of Jerusalem that didn’t want the wall rebuilt. These men plotted against Nehemiah, heaped insulting remarks about the project, and tried to distract the workers and the leaders from their task. But Nehemiah stayed focused. In response to one of their requests for a meeting, Nehemiah responded with, “'I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?'” (Nehemiah 6:3)

Nehemiah also prayed and responded. When these men who were stirring up trouble began a plot to fight against Jerusalem, Nehemiah and the leaders responded by seeking God. “But we prayed to our God and posted guard day and night to meet this threat” (Nehemiah 4:9).

What do we do when we hit opposition? Do we stay focused and seek God? If He has led us to this mission, He will guide each step of the way. Again, those steps might not all be smooth, but He is always leading us. Let us run with perseverance for the race that He has marked out for us and consider it pure joy as we run into trials along the way because trials develop perseverance. 

Reflection:

Where do I put my hope during this process? Am I able to stay focused on God and seek Him when I hit opposition? Do I get easily discouraged? What can I do to stand strong during opposition?