Expect Opposition

Originally published on October 13, 2014

"I also told them about the gracious hand of my
God on me and what the king had said to me.

They replied, 'Let us start rebuilding.'

So they began this good work.

But when Sanballat the Horonite,

Tobiah the Ammonite official

and Geshem the Arab heard about it,

they mocked and ridiculed us.

'What is this your are doing?' they asked.

'Are you rebelling against the king?'"

Nehemiah 2:18-19

The hand of God was upon Nehemiah.  The God of the universe went before him, paving the way for his mission.  His favor was upon Nehemiah.  Still, there was opposition.  There was difficulty.  There were bumps in the road.

Even though I'm following God and am under His favor through faith in Jesus Christ, I can't expect clear sailing.  In fact, I had better realize I will experience trouble of some kind.  Thankfully, though, resistance to or defiance against God's plan for my life does not mean I have to give up.  No!  I am on the side of the Overcomer (John 16:33)!  The opposition that rises up against me only means I must adjust.  What must I do?

Carry On.  Before any work could be done, the wall around Jerusalem had to be inspected.  How bad was the damage?  What kind of materials would they need?  How would they go about repairing the walls and gates?  A plan was made and work had begun.  Then came the enemy to mock and make fun of them.  They could have given up, doubting their mission or fearing for their welfare.  Instead, they carried on with the proclamation that, "The God of heaven will give us success (Nehemiah 2:20)." (Nehemiah 2:11-3:32)

It is the same with me.  Who is discouraging me in the race God has marked out for me to run (Hebrews 12:1-2)?  In what ways am I being ridiculed for the peculiar life I'm living (Matthew 7:14)?  If I'm being teased or criticized for what He has called me to do, I have a choice to make.  Either I doubt whether I'm on the right path, or I speak words of faith about the God who empowers me and then carry on.

When opposition rises up against me, I can carry on with the mission at hand.

Be Wise.  As a follower of Christ placed in the middle of a cold, harsh world, I am vulnerable.  Jesus said, "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves." (Matthew 10:16)  Sheep are defenseless against predators.  They don't have a way to fight back.  In fact, their only protection against danger is their shepherd and to huddle together in a group:  They must rely on their guardian and each other.

Likewise, I must realize my Shepherd's rod and staff will protect and comfort me in times of trouble.  I also have been placed in a family of believers who can stand with me when trials come my way.  There are some things, however, Jesus warned me to keep in mind as I live in such a helpless state.  He wants me to be on guard, not ignorant of the dangers at hand but savvy of their presence.  Still, I am not to enter the battle as everyone else does.  Instead, I am to keep my hands clean as I let my Warrior God fight on my behalf (Matthew 10:16-20).

This means when the powerful seek to bring me down, I can place my defense in God's hands and watch as He lifts me up (James 4:10,Psalm 27:5).  Furthermore, I can't expect everyone to agree with me.  As a result, I can take precautions to protect the mission and leave the rest up to God.  It also means when people make fun of me I must preach the truth to myself, replacing their ridicule with pure, just, lovely, gracious, excellent thoughts that bring honor and glory to God (Philippians 4:8). 

When opposition rises up against me, I must be wise in the way I respond.

Trust God.  I naturally want everyone to like me.  At my core, I am a people-pleaser who feels better when I receive lots of affirmation from those around me.  I'd rather do something that is widely accepted than do what sets me apart from the crowd.

Unfortunately for my sin nature, I am following One who is highly controversial and is not well-liked by all.  Therefore, I must expect to face some kind of harassment or maltreatment as I walk with Jesus (John 15:20).  The suffering I endure, however, is not in vain.  Instead, it is used by God to conform me into the image of Christ (Romans 8:28-29).  Everything, whether it was meant to harm me or just irritate me, is woven by the Master Weaver into the beautiful tapestry of my life.

When opposition rises up against me, I can trust God to use it for my good and His glory.

I often mistakenly believe God will protect me from all hindrances when I am careful to obey Him.  As an alien in a foreign land, however, I must expect opposition of some kind.  When I do experience some form of harassment, I can carry on, be wise, and trust God.  In so doing, I will experience peace in the midst of turmoil as I watch God's plan prevail.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God even though my outlook is dismal.

When do I assume everyone will agree with the trajectory of my path?

How am I offended when opposed instead of realizing it's to be expected as a follower of Christ?