Opportunity and Opposition 1 Corinthians 16:8,9 But I will stay at Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 because a good opportunity for a great and growing work has been given to me now. And there are many people working against me. Recently, the Lord laid on my heart an endeavor, a mission, if you will. He was very specific about the what, the whos and hows of the project. God wanted our Little Light House to improve The heart of our worship. Currently, were installing new sight and sound equipment. God is calling us to wake, grow and reach out deeper than ever before. Its absolutely thrilling to see God move and do. It reminds me that God is not finished with me and this body of believers. Were here, willing and ready to take on new ground for Christ and with the empowerment and anointment of the Holy Spirit, we will do so! Having said that, it does not mean that Satan has been sitting idly by and letting us take his ground. He has been fighting tooth and nail with setbacks, sickness, etc. No General ever worried about an enemy who was no threat or not invading but when they start to be a threat, then the war is on. Thats exactly the case in our reading today. Paul sees an amazing opportunity before him, but he knows that opposition will come right along with it. We as Americans, have a rosy view of serving God. We worry about people thinking badly of us or calling us fanatical. There are still many places on this globe where being a Christian can get you killed. I genuinely worry for the body of believers who see the cause of Christ as a way of prosperity and the lack of prosperity a sign of Gods displeasure. Tell that to the Pastor facing execution in a Muslim country for simply sharing his hope. It was true in Pauls day and it is true in ours. If the devil is fighting, it is because he is worried! When was the last time you made him shake with fear? Dwayne Johnson, The Rock, said, Be the person that when your feet touch the floor in the morning, the devil says aww no, theyre up! Is that you? Whos voice are YOU hearing? The voice of Opportunity, or the voice of Opposition ? Lets pray : Precious Lord , I thank you for making your desires known to your people.You are Lord. Period.You make your will known , we move according to your dictates.Give us fearlessness ,and a desire to be obedient, thats greater than our desire to express self will. Help us to recognize the opportunities,and protect us from the opposition. Its In Jesus Name we pray, Amen. Brought to you with Love by Living Witness Ministries. Please feel free to share, this as an outreach to others.
Posted on: Sun, 26 Jan 2014 03:46:32 +0000