Opposition

We all face opposition!  People tell us we are not qualified to succeed in a new position in a workplace.  Others may say we will never fulfill our dreams, because they are too big and impossible.  In these moments, it is so easy to give up and be defeated.  Instead of believing what the world says about us, we need to start believing what God says about us!

People in the Bible were mocked by those around them.  David was told he could not defeat the giant, Goliath, in 1 Samuel 17, because he was too small and too young.  David went on to win the battle and became the King of Israel at a young age because of His bravery and leadership.  Job, who was tested by satan, lost everything — his family, wealth, and friends (Job 16:10).  His friends mocked him in his misery, and, yet, Job never wavered in His faith with God.

We can all relate to these stories!  No matter what day in age you live in, there will be somebody who does not believe in you and tear you down with his or her words.  The dictionary defines opposition as opposing, resisting, combating, hostility, or criticizing.  Opposition is all around us!  Mary J. Blige said that, “[we] can’t get around pain and opposition, but [we] can try to be joyful in the trial and thank [ourselves] for the trial, and thank God for the strength to get through it.”  The keyword in this quote is God giving us strength to overcome the obstacle.  As I have said before, we do not do life alone.  We do life with God so we can handle day-to-day conflict.

Have you ever questioned why opposition comes our way when we think we are almost to the finish line — to our victory?  Think about it…if you are almost to the reward of all you have sacrificed and trudged through to finally make it and it is glorifying God, why wouldn’t satan put an obstacle in your way.  He wants you to give up before you have the victory!  He wants you to be disappointed and feel defeated.  Satan thinks if you feel defeated all the time, you won’t try something new, and you will stay in the same place your whole life with no goals.  That his main purpose for your life!

The good news is, God wants you to be successful!  God wants to see you cross the finish line with Him!  Be encouraged today!  Conflict builds character.  It should never hinder you from fulfilling your dreams in life, whatever they may be.  So the next time someone tears you down for not being good enough, pretty enough, or strong enough to embrace your purpose in life, remember God gives you His strength and His courage to conquer anything that comes your way.  The next time an obstacle gets in the way, trudge through it and get past what is hindering you!  It will be worth it!  Orison Swett Marden said “success is not measured by what you accomplish, but by the opposition you have encountered, and the courage with which you have maintained the struggle against overwhelming odds.”  Stand up to opposition and face it head-on!  God is with you and victory is yours as long as you don’t quit!