Set ApartSample

When We Face Opposition

With our new life in Christ, God calls us to live differently than the world, to be set apart. But what happens when we experience opposition for being different? In John 15, Jesus tells us that the world hated him, and if it hated him, it would surely hate us. And Jesus was perfect! So the question isn’t IF we will face opposition but HOW we will face opposition when it happens.

The first thing we do is turn to God. He is the one who brought us out of darkness, and he will be the one to protect us through hardships. In Psalm 35, the author, David, prays to God for help! David isn’t taking the problem into his own hands. He instead takes it to God and asks for protection. Bring your troubles to God! God can handle more on his worst day than we ever could on a good day.

Secondly, we remind ourselves of who God says we are. During times of opposition, we can often become insecure or doubt ourselves. Sometimes, the voices we hear the most are the ones that want to tear us down. So then, we must root ourselves in God’s word to remind us who we are and what our purpose is.

Lastly, we should praise God during opposition! 1 Peter 4:12-13, 16 tells us to be glad during these times of hardship! This makes us partners with Christ as he suffered. We’ve talked about how Jesus’ sacrifice restored us in the eyes of God. He delivered us from sin, and he will deliver us from hardship. Remember all the good he has done for you and praise him.

Application: Make a gratitude list of all the things you’re thankful for!