Turn Opposition into Opportunity

in Fearless Faith, Rob's Blog

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Opposition is an opportunity to prove and improve our faith. Opposition is a barbell of faith (James 1:2-4). It builds spiritual muscle if we use it appropriately. We are going to struggle in life, but when we do we need to turn to our Savior (John 16:33). Moses faced opposition, he had a Red Sea, but he turned opposition into opportunity. He discovered that it was an opportunity for God to turn a dead end into deliverance.

The question facing us is how do we turn opposition into opportunity? It starts by reaffirming 5 things we know about our Heavenly Father.

#1: He Will Always Be With Me (Exodus 13:17-22)

  • Many scriptures point us to this truth, such as: Josh 1:5; Matt 28:20; and Ps. 23:4.
  • Evidenced by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, God’s empowering presence was with them every step of the way.
  • It is true for us as well.
    • The Spirit of Jesus lives in us to guide and empower.
    • The Spirit of Jesus speaks to us through Scripture.
    • The Spirit of Jesus works through His Body, the Church.
  • We need to rely on and trust in the Holy Spirit more than we do. Call on Him. Lean on Him.
  • The Holy Spirit of the Living God is Christ in you. He is with you when you feel abandoned, uncertain, unloved, wounded, and hopeless.

#2: He Will Quiet My Fears (Exodus 14:1-14)

  • There is stormy weather ahead (vs. 1-3). But our God Almighty is God over the sea and storms.
  • He will show himself strong (v. 4) by intervening in our circumstances.
  • God is always in control, unsurprised and unfazed (v. 5-9). God knew what was coming.  No surprise.
  • Fear is a natural starting point for all of us (v. 10-12). And it can move to anger and even resignation. But God wants to move us from fear to faith.
  • We need to do what Moses told Israel to do (v. 13-14).
    • Don’t be afraid (Josh 1:9; Ps. 46:1-2), stand firm (Eph 6:14), watch God work (Deut 3:22; Is 40:31), and be still (Ps. 46:10).

#3: He Can Do All Things (Exodus 14:15-18)

  • Where is your resolve when storms hit? Is your first move to fret and worry?  Or is your first move to turn to God? Have you developed a deep resolve to trust God?
  • God wants us to trust in Him. He wants us to grow in faith and to realize that He has our back.
  • Remember: Our God is greater than we know (Is 40:25; Phil 4:13; Rom 1:20; Ps. 19:1; Rev 4:11).

#4: He Will Take Care of Me (Exodus 14:19-28)

  • God loves you and will take care of you (1 Peter 5:7).
  • He has a plan for you (Jer 29:11).

#5: He Knows What’s Best (Exodus 14:29-31)

  • My faith tells me that God’s ways are always best. Sometimes he takes us through, around, under, or over our obstacles. He knows what’s best.
  • God is all wise and trustworthy. He has our best interest at heart.
  • His ways and timing are not our ways and timing. But He is always right and always trustworthy.
  • God may not always part our Red Sea as we think it needs to be done. We all want the “big miracle.” One and done. God has other plans sometimes.
  • Why storms? It is not always easy to answer this question but here is what we learn from Scripture.
    • Answer #1 – I don’t know (Job 42:1-6).
    • Answer #2 – He is Sovereign (Is 55:8,9).
    • Answer #3 – We love in a fallen world (Gen 3).
    • Answer #4 – There is a purpose (2 Cor 1:4, 9, 11).
    • Answer #5 – God will turn it into good (Rom 8:28).

As we seek to turn opposition into opportunity, reaffirm these five things about your Heavenly Father:  God will always be with you. He will quiet your fears. He can do all things. He will take care of you. He knows what’s best.