Answers from the Word

"So, let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up." (Galatians 6:9)

This week, a dear friend lamented about their labor of love in the home church, "Two steps forward and one step back while it seems the old devil has his foot in the door."

Truly, opposition is frustrating while trying to accomplish something good for God, but let us think of the situation in a brand new way.

Regarding the "devil's foot in the door," consider the words of Sirach in the "Old" Bible, "My son, if thou come to serve the Lord God, prepare thy soul for temptation. 2 - Set thy heart aright, and constantly endure, and make not haste in time of trouble." (Sirach 2:1-2, Brenton's 1851 Greek Septuagint)

It's Satan's job to test EVERYTHING we do for God, to see if our work is suitable to stand. The devil is the storm that beats against our wall, but even the tempest is ordained!

Listen to St. Peter, "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 - But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." (1 Peter 4:12-13)

Opposition to good works is totally normal! It's always been around! Christ endured opposition, and our eternal reward will be based on how well we face the storm like Jesus did, "Remember what I told you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also." (John 15:20) In another place, Jesus said, "Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:12)

Poor Job faced opposition that was actually orchestrated by God (Job 1:6-12, Job 2:1-7). Moses faced opposition from his foes and family alike. Nehemiah faced opposition from the enemies of Israel when the prophet tried rebuilding God's Sacred House. Daniel faced opposition from jealous politicians who governed Persia with him. Hosea faced opposition from his unfaithful wife who he still dearly loved.

Thus, EVERYONE FACES OPPOSITION ... and for a very good reason!

Consider St. Paul's words, "Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 14 - If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire." (1 Corinthians 3:13-15)

So, just expect opposition ... which makes your work more valuable like gold purified by a raging fire. Remember that if the task was easy... the outcome would be worthless, but God deserves our best, as David said, "I will not offer to God what costs me nothing." (2 Samuel 24:24)

So, you're wondering, "Does Edwin perform well when facing opposition?"

No, I whine and cry like everyone else ... until I remember my calling (election) and that God Almighty has a predestined purpose for EVERYTHING in my life! He alone makes "all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28) The operative words are "His purpose," not "my purpose;" the very reason Jesus prayed, "Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done!" (Luke 22:42)

As far as opposition goes, we must hear the final admonition of St. Paul, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ... 37 - No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 - For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 - neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:35-39)

So, let us all agree to be the super-conquerors that God's Grace has empowered us to be! Amen!

 

Edwin Woolsey is a native of Mountain View. He is a retired public educator of 31 years, and a pastor for nearly that long. Woolsey is the author of The Chronicler series and a father of three.