opposition – [op-uh–zish–uh n]
2 Corinthians 7:5 When we came into Macedonia, we were completely worn out—under attack from every angle—nagging opposition on the outside, our own nagging fears from the inside.
Ever feel like your back is against the wall?
There’s no visible exit or escape in sight. And you’re not sure you can make it another second.
And it’s all because of this nagging opposition.
Nag, Nag, Nag
Nagging on the outside by critics, haters, and doubters.
Nagging on the inside by the strongest critic, hater, and doubter – you.
So what do you do in those times when you can’t tell whose voice is who’s because there are so many resounding in your head?
What do you do when at every single turn, just when you think you are making progress more opposition pops up?
And to top it all off when you look within all you find is negativity, despair, and fear.
Fears that by the way are normally based on invisible obstacles.
Change your view
[Tweet “What do you do when you face nagging opposition? Quit looking around, quit looking inside, and You look up to Jesus. You trust in God who comforts the downcast and encourages the discouraged.”]
1. Quit looking around
You quit looking around to other people for help. People are imperfect. They might be here one day and gone the next.
2. Quit looking inside
And you quit looking inside of you for help. There is some much that can dictate how we respond to a situation. If we are tired, hungry, scared, emotional, or mad can cause us to react in completely unexpected ways.
3. Start looking up
You look up to Jesus. You trust in God who comforts the downcast and encourages the discouraged.
Change your view. Seek God in His word and through prayer. Focus on the one who never changes. The reality is that when you think about eternity, all of the things you think matter don’t matter as much and a lot of things that don’t matter begin to look a lot more significant.
[Tweet “What do you do when you face nagging opposition? Change your view. Seek God in His word and through prayer. Focus on the one who never changes. The reality is that when you think about eternity, all of the things you think matter don’t matter as much and a lot of things that don’t matter begin to look a lot more significant.”]
Rest on His promises
1. Philippians 4:6-7 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
- How can you have peace when everything around you is crumbling? I don’t know. That’s a question only God can answer. But He does it all the time if you will seek Him.
2. Matthew 28:20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
- Who else can make that promise? Even if someone can spend every waking minute of their life with you, death has the power to separate you, at least momentarily. But Jesus Promised to be with you forever and He can keep that promise.
3. Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
- A kid normally runs to His parents when they are scared because there is a sense of safety and comfort in their presence. God wants you to you come running to Him and feel that same sense of calm when you remember that He is with you.
4. John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
- Most people don’t like to lose. And because of this they normally won’t try something new or sign up for the challenge if they don’t feel like there’s a good chance they will win. You need to remember that you are on the winning side.
Reflection Questions:
Was is it that you are meant to be doing that you are not because of nagging opposition?
Are you listening to the voice of reason instead of the voice of God?
Check out these other resources:
Why Uncertainty Shouldn’t Make You Question Everything
Warning: You Are Losing Opportunities To Lead
You Can’t Hear God Because The Voices Of Your Convenience Are Louder
Benjamin Moore Blog 