Opposition.
Just writing the word makes me think of “opposite.” The opposite of what I am working toward. The opposite of my heart’s desire. The opposite of what I hope to accomplish. Opposition works against – in the opposite direction of – what we are working toward. And it can be frustrating.
Where have you experienced opposition? Chances are it is closely tied to something you feel strongly about. Perhaps something you even feel called to by God. And when something is that important, we are willing to fight for it – travail for it – press in for it – for as long as it takes. And it can be exhausting.
Let us not become weary in doing good,
for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:9
Rather than opposition over one specific thing, maybe your opposition is more of a culminative experience; where it feels like no matter which way you turn, you are met with blow after blow. And those blows can add up.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,
whenever you face trials of many kinds,
because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete,
not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4
I confess that I have recently met my opposition with less-than-stellar responses. I have not considered it pure joy. Instead, I’ve allowed my flesh to flare up and my thoughts to get ugly. Before it has gotten too far out of control, I have felt the Holy Spirit tap me on the shoulder and ask, “Is that really what you meant to think? Is that the response you truly wanted to offer?” Well, if I’m responding in my own strength, yes, that is what I meant. But the real truth of the matter is that I have asked God to refine me into the woman He has created me to be. My Irish fire is part of how He created me and is a gift when directed by the Holy Spirit. My Irish fire is not an excuse to think, say, and act however I want … or in any degree of however I want.
…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you
will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:6
Two parts of this promise stand out to me:
- God will not give up on the good work He has begun in me.
- No matter how long it takes…and it will take until Jesus comes back.
So, while opposition may seem to never give up, neither does our God. No matter how long and hard opposition pushes, our God stands firm even longer with His well-established victory. And, as His children, we can stand too. Learning moment by moment that God holds the victory so we can rest rather than quit.
If you have been tempted to quit in the face of opposition, consider resting. Take a deep breath. Take a long walk. Take a nap. Pausing with the Lord doesn’t take His eyes off the battle, it takes our eyes off the battle and redirects them where they are supposed to be. On Him. And when our eyes are on our Father, it is difficult to forget…
You are adored.
You Are Adored 