Opposition Often Means You’re Right on Track

Does God have a wonderful plan for your life?

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One of the ironies of life is that the more you succeed, the more you’ll face opposition. This seems especially ironic when you succeed in serving God. As we serve the Lord, we get opposition from enemies, from friends and from the Evil One.

Recently I spent time in India with a church leader who is making wonderful advances for the Lord. Yet he’s often verbally threatened by the enemies of the Gospel. He fears for his family, for his ministry and for his personal safety. Some of his workers have indeed been physically mistreated.

Here in America, we usually have a friendlier atmosphere. Yet it seems that while opposition is often subtler, it is just as real.

Does this opposition mean we’ve gotten off track and lost our way? No, quite the opposite. Opposition often means we’re right on track.

Here are 3 reasons opposition can mean you’re right on track with God:

01. The Bible says we should expect persecution from enemies of Christ.

Scripture is clear, “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12 ESV)

Some believers are surprised when they begin to live for Christ and suddenly things get tougher. But again the Bible warns, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” (1 Peter 4:12 ESV)

We promise that “God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life.” That is true, but part of God’s wonderful plan is persecution and trials!

How should we respond? The next verse tells us: “But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” (1 Peter 4:13 ESV)

My friend in India responds with faith and rejoicing. He also keeps a low profile and tries not to attract too much of the wrong kind of attention. That is practicing what Jesus described; “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16 ESV)

Don’t intentionally incite opposition from the enemies of Christ. But if it comes, endure in faith and remember it probably means you’re right on track.

02. Progress and success often breed jealousy and contempt from fellow believers.

This is sad but true.

The Apostle Paul experienced it. While in prison for the Gospel he wrote about opposition from envious fellow believers; “It’s true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely, intending to make my chains more painful to me.” (Philippians 1:15a, 17b NLT)

How appalling that Christians would try to add to Paul’s suffering because of their jealousy.

What was Paul’s response? He wrote in the next verse, “But that doesn’t matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice.” (Philippians 1:18 NLT)

Wow, he was only concerned that the Gospel went forward!

Similarly, David was one of the best things that ever happened to King Saul. He not only killed Goliath, but as Saul’s military general David led the troops to many great victories. Yet instead of deep gratitude, his success embittered King Saul. (1 Samuel 18:6-8) Saul became so jealous of David’s success that for years he tried to track him down and kill him!

This is the same King Saul who was God’s anointed and who prophesied fervently with the prophets. (1 Samuel 10:11-12) Saul started well, but destroyed his spiritual walk through his egocentrism and envy.

You might encounter jealousy among siblings, coworkers, teammates, and even ministry leaders. How should you respond? Just continue to serve God as best you can and “pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44)

And remember, this opposition probably means you’re right on track.

03. The Evil One always opposes those making headway.

Perhaps you feel like you’re making more progress than ever in your Christian life. Yet you’re facing more opposition than ever. If so congratulations, you’ve likely become a target of the devil! Wear it as a badge of honor.

The devil isn’t worried about those who are tepid in their faith, who embarrass the name of Christ, and make people say, “If that’s a Christian, I don’t want any part of Christianity.”

No, the Evil One targets those who are making the most impact.

At a church where I play basketball, one guy likes to put his shoulder down and bully his way to the basket. It’s a challenge to me, I don’t want to give him any ground. My natural reaction is to get in his way. Then he gets mad and cries “foul.” (He might be right!)

In a similar way, when we challenge the Devil, he will take the challenge and oppose us.

What should you do? “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 ESV)

Are you facing opposition? Take heart, it might mean you are right on track. God is using you and thus you can expect opposition from enemies, “friends” and the devil.

For more help on this website with persecution, unfair treatment, and forgiveness:

• 6 Solutions When You Suffer for Doing Good

• Having Just One Person to Please Brings Peace

• 5 Smart Ways to Resist Revenge and Enjoy Peace Today

• 3 Steps to Overcoming Betrayal and Building Trust Again

• Forgiving is So Important Scary

• What is True Forgiveness?

• vlog: Have You Been Pecked At?

NOTE: Facebook is random. Email is reliable. Subscribe via email and you won’t miss any of my articles, podcasts or videos. You’ll also get my eBook: 10 Prayers to Unlock Heaven on Earth

Adjust Your Plans Based On God’s New Direction

Does God ever change his mind?

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Does God ever allow us to go in one direction and then give us a new direction? Recently I wrote on “How to Know God’s Will in Difficult Decisions.” As challenging as it might seem to find God’s will, sometimes it seems God leads us in one direction only to soon lead us in another.

A church I’m helping called a pastor to a ministry assignment about a year ago. We hoped for many years of ministry partnership, but recently he announced his soon departure. Did we misunderstand God’s calling? Did he misunderstand? Is he being led wrongly? Are we?

Sometimes it’s confusing.

So here are 3 things to consider about being led in a new direction:

01. Sometimes God’s leading is for a short season.

Consider the church planting ministry of the Apostle Paul. As he traveled, shared the Gospel and planted churches, his length of stay varied greatly:

DAYS: Sometimes he was almost immediately mocked, beaten and run out of town. See Acts 13:50-51 where at Antioch of Pisidia the apostles were quickly driven out and “shook the dust off their feet against them” as they left.WEEKS: Other times Paul stayed a few weeks, and then was led to move on. This happened in Thessalonica where Paul and Silas ministered for about 3 weeks before being led in a new direction, see Acts 17:2–4.YEARS: But there were places he was led to stay as long as 3 years. This happened in Ephesus, see Acts 20:31.

Generally speaking, people don’t like change. Change is unsettling, unknown and scary. Thus, we hope God’s leading is for us to stay put for years. But that’s not always God’s way.

In my own ministry, God has led in different ways:

• He led Carolyn and me to stay 13 years in the first church we were privileged to plant.

• But in the second church plant, we were only led to stay for 3 years.

• In my current assignment, I’ve been led to stay for over 18 years.

Each time God said to move on, whether it was 13 years or 3 years, Carolyn and I have tried to simply be obedient to His calling. Whether longer or shorter, that’s His choice.

(Note: This doesn’t apply to commitments such as marriage where there is a lifelong commitment.)

02. Sometimes God’s new direction is because we’re not ready for our more permanent assignment.

Consider the children of Israel as they left Egypt. The trip across the wilderness should have taken just a few months. But because of their rebelliousness, ingratitude and sin, it took 40 years!

Each time they messed up God said, “OK, another lap around the wilderness.”

Don’t you hate it when that happens!

But rather than despising the waiting for our longer term assignment, we need to utilize the waiting to learn and grow. Scripture is clear that we must “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4 ESV)

The questions to ask as we struggle with God’s new direction and plan are:

• What does God have for me to learn where I am right now?

• How can experiences in my current situation prepare me for the situation I hope to be in some day?

• Why might God have me “take another lap around the wilderness?”

03. Sometimes God does change His mind.

God says “I am the Lord, I change not.” (Malachi 3:6 KJV) That means God’s character does not change.

But that doesn’t mean He cannot change His mind:

• Fatalism is the dangerous idea that everything that will happen is all predetermined and therefore inevitable. (See a great article about the Bible vs. fatalism HERE.)

• Faith is the belief that God moves as we pray, and that He makes “all things work together for good” (Romans 8:28). This includes God’s work in situations that we create through our own rebelliousness, sinfulness and stupidity! It says “ALL” things.

One example of this is when Abraham asked God to spare Sodom in Genesis 18. You might recall that as Abraham bargained with God, at first he asked for the Almighty to spare the cities if 50 righteous people could be found in it. When God said OK, he asked for 45, then 40, then 30, then 20, then 10. Each time God relented.

Yes, God is sovereign and in control.Yes, God is unchanging in His character.Yes, God is all-powerful (omnipotent).Yes, God is all knowing and knows the future.Yes, God is holy and never lies or breaks a promise.

But these facts don’t mean that He cannot change His mind and give us a new direction.

Note: Some Bible students believe that God doesn’t change His mind. For one example click HERE. My argument is that God can change His mind without changing His character. See Exodus 32:14and Jeremiah 26:19.

So what does this mean in practical terms? It means:

• We must constantly stay in tune with God’s leadings. (Again, please see my article on discerning God’s will HERE.)

• We must learn all we can from both the good and bad experiences in our current situation, to prepare us for our new direction.

• We must happily change our plans based on God’s new direction.

For more help on this website with decision making and guidance, check out these resources:

• Vision Retreat?

• 4 Steps to Identify Core Values and Make the Best Decisions

• How to Renew Your Mind and Think More Positively

• Having Just One Person to Please Brings Peace

• How to be Smarter About Failure in Life

• What Does God Owe Me?

• How to Hear From God

• Podcast: Why Aren’t My Prayers Answered?

NOTE: Facebook is random. Email is reliable. Subscribe via email and you won’t miss any of my articles, podcasts or videos. You’ll also get my eBook: 10 Prayers to Unlock Heaven on Earth

How To Know God’s Will In Difficult Decisions

It’s easier than you might think.

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My wife Carolyn is better at making difficult decisions than me. I tend to think it all through very carefully, weighing the pros and cons, taking time to analyze all aspects and so on. Carolyn, on the other hand, comes to a conclusion quickly, announces her decision without hesitation and it’s over. I’ve often been a little envious of her in this.

A good example is when we first met. Carolyn was quickly convinced that I was the one for her and that we should get married. (She made it clear to me.) But I was slower to come to that conclusion. In fact, she is happy to take credit for our marriage happening. She’s convinced that if she wouldn’t have pushed me along, we would never have gotten married.

In my weaker moments like right now, I admit that she’s probably right.

Maybe you’re more like Carolyn or maybe you’re more like me. If you’re more like me, this article should be especially helpful.

I’ve gotten better at making decisions, both big and small ones, based on my biblical understanding of a passage of Scripture in the Epistle of James.

So from James 1, here are 3 steps to know God’s will in difficult decisions:

01. Thank God for your difficult situations.

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4 ESV)

When we face difficult situations, we often think that means we’re outside of God’s will. This passage says something different. Being in God’s will doesn’t necessarily mean that life will be easy. 

Verses 9 and 12 later confirm this truth.

So the first step in making difficult decisions is to thank God that even in trials, He makes good things happen.

The progress of this good that happens is described in verses 2-4: trials produce faith and steadfastness. In time, as we remain steadfast, we become complete or mature.

So stop thinking that ease means you’re in God’s will and trials mean you’re out of God’s will. Thank God that whether times are easy or difficult, He is making “all things to work together for good.” (Romans 8:28)

02. Pray for guidance and believe that God will give it.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5 ESV)

This step is remarkably simple: We are to pray for God’s wisdom and know that He will enlighten us.

In the past I’ve struggled with this because it seems too easy. I’ve thought, “Do you mean I just ask God for wisdom and He gives it?”

The answer is “Yes, that’s exactly what it says.”

Some call this:

• A leading

• A knowing

• A word of knowledge (1 Corinthians 12:8)

Sometimes this comes quickly. Other times it takes longer. But it is God’s promise to give wisdom or guidance.

It gets easier the more you learn to know the shepherd. Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27 NKJV)

It’s not complex, but there is a danger. Sometimes we hear what we want to hear. For this reason, we must use other resources to confirm our leading:

• Scripture. Our leading must never, ever contradict the Bible.

• Spouse and family. The person who says to family members, “This is what God says to do and I don’t care what you think” is headed for trouble.

• Wise counselors. We should never be afraid to listen to and consider what others have to say on the issue. (Proverbs 15:22)

• The passage of time. Does the sense of leading grow with time? Or does it decline?

After considering these other resources, we can move ahead in faith and confidence in our difficult decisions.

03. Trust God’s guidance without doubting.

“But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:6-8 ESV)

In a nutshell, this verse says “don’t be wishy-washy.” Or “don’t waffle.”

This verse used to bother me. Now it is a great comfort.I used to see it as a rebuke. Now I see it as a confirmation.

I now choose the positive approach believing that God does lead (as He promises) and my job is to just to trust His leading. 

As previously mentioned, something that has helped me with this perspective is understanding that God’s leading in difficult decisions doesn’t mean all my trials will be over. In fact, God’s leading might lead me into the greatest trials of my life.

If that happens, we simply return to the first point: “Thank God for your trials.”

Carolyn and I had to do this when back in 2005 we bought property on which to build our dream home. But soon afterwards came the mortgage crisis and the “Great Recession.” No one would loan us money to build our new home.

Finally, one bank told us that if we had a million dollars cash in our bank, then they would loan us money. In other words, if we didn’t need the money, they would loan us the money!

For 10 years we waited. We asked bank after bank. We tried to think of every approach that might secure a construction loan.

We wondered if God had misled us. We almost gave up.

Finally, in 2014 we got a loan! Then we began building and moved into our new home in 2015. We were elated!

God had not misled us. He used the waiting time to build our character. Likewise, He will not mislead you. You can trust His leading, even in difficult decisions.

For more help on this website with decision making and guidance, check out these resources:

• Who Needs a Vision Retreat?

• 4 Steps to Identify Core Values and Make the Best Decisions

• quotecard We Make Our Decisions…

NOTE: Facebook is random. Email is reliable. Subscribe via email and you won’t miss any of my articles, podcasts or videos. You’ll also get my eBook: 10 Prayers to Unlock Heaven on Earth