Great opportunities are most often accompanied by great opposition. When there is the ripe chance for effective work in the Kingdom, there will be those who oppose you. This correlation does not seem so good, but maybe it’s by God’s design. Maybe each brings the other. Maybe something very good comes from opposition.

When things flow without opposition less happens with excellence. This is counter-intuitive to me because I would think that more would happen if there were no obstacles… no hurdles to jump… no people problems to work through. Smooth sailing is nice, but you don’t get very far. What you need is some wind! With wind in your sails… now we’re moving! But with wind comes choppy seas. The result? We’re making progress, but we’re feeling a little nauseous along the way.

Opposition can also bring beautiful results. How crazy is that? With opposition we are forced to think through what we’re doing and why. The progress comes from a clearer focus and more intentionality – neither of which come when the sailing is smooth. Clarity never comes when we’re too busy enjoying the vistas. A carefree life rarely will walk through the doors of great opportunity for the work of the Kingdom of Heaven.

I wonder how many times I have approached the door of opportunity, saw its potential, but stepped away because of the opposition? If I mistake the opposition as God leading me away from the opportunity, how tragic!

If I can understand what Paul was saying to the church in Corinth… if I can understand the correlation between opportunity and opposition, I will be a more effective servant for Jesus. If I can prayerfully discern His will for me, obediently follow Him where He leads and then EXPECT and work through opposition, great results will be achieved and Jesus will be glorified through my life!

There’s a clear application for the local church too. We’ve been given a grand mission field. The fields are white unto the harvest (John 4:34-38)! There are open doors for effective ministry. Let’s not mistake opposition as the indicator of a wrong choice. It’s probably the right choice and the opposition is going to make us better.

Lord Jesus, I ask that You fill me with the courage to confront and tackle the things that oppose me. Give me the grace and the heart to be like You as I lead myself, my family and your church this day. All for Your glory!