Do We Fear the Opposition?

Have you ever felt like something was out to get you?

Like you were opposed in everything you do?

That's because we are at war.

Many women cringe at the idea that there is a spiritual battle raging around us. We don't like conflict and confrontation. We don't want any part of war. But it's there, nonetheless.

We can pretend it doesn't exist and go on with our life in hopes that it won't reach our doorstep. But that's not realistic - we are under attack and we need to stand strong to fight it.

Before we take action, we must identify what's really going on. 

As Christians, we are opposed by 3 forces. 

1) The Devil. The Bible is clear that Satan is real. Some Christians claim that he is not active on the earth, but Scripture says he has taken up residence for a while, and he has a certain amount of influence while he's here (1 Pet 5:8). But we have the power to resist him and overcome (1 John 2:14, James 4:7). He is a crafty schemer.  He is a deceiver, the father of lies. He can disguise himself as something good. (John 8:44, 1 Cor 11:14)

And he's out to destroy anything and everything that could potentially honor God. 

2) The World. When God created the universe, He said it as good. But it didn't take man long to mess that up. Because we live in a fallen world where sin reigns, things don't work smoothly like God intended. There are consequences for sin, and we all are affected by the influence and choices of others; neighbors, coworkers, music, Hollywood. The Bible tells us not to love anything about the world, but to be different because God has chosen us to be set apart (1 John 2:15, John 15:19).

Our society today is set against the principles in God's word and integrity is in short supply. 

3) Our Old Nature. When we're born, we don't automatically become good. Our first thoughts are of our own needs and our own comfort. That is a tendency we learn to control as we grow. It looks out for Number One in multiple ways, and that's why the Bible says to deny ourselves and our desires (1 Cor 15:31, Matt 16:24). Because life is not about me - it's about Him.  

Our flesh, or sinful nature, constantly wants to have its way, no matter the consequence.

Sometimes life is hard. We have a lot things coming against us. But God is clear that we don't have to worry because He is on our side. He's watching out for us. We may lose some battles, but we will win this war! We know the end of the story - we get to reign with Christ in Heaven for all eternity. 

Whom shall I fear? The God of Angel Armies, the Creator of the Universe, fights on my behalf! The things that oppose me only get me down if I let them!

And no matter what battles we face today, God has totally got this!

Blessings, Jen