Have you become excited at the prospect of entering God’s will, only for you to face opposition? If so, you are in good company. Satan hates it when we discover our God-given purpose and he will endeavour to derail us any chance he gets, but take heart, Jesus has overcome Satan and you have the victory through Him.
Let’s look at an example from the life of Saul, the first king of Israel. Read 1 Samuel 10 and 11. In 1 Samuel 10 we see how the prophet, Samuel anoints Saul as king and God gives him a new heart and he begins prophesying (v.9-10). The people shout, “Long live the king!” (v.24), but some will not accept Saul as king, “How can this man save us?” And they despised him and brought him no present. But he held his peace (v.27).
Saul then goes back to working in his father’s fields, until an enemy arises in Israel.
In 1 Samuel 11 we read how Nahash the Ammonite went up and besieged Jabesh-gilead. The men of Jabesh went to Nahash and asked him to make a treaty with them that they would serve him. But Nahash the Ammonite said to them, “On this condition I will make a treaty with you, that I gouge out all your right eyes, and thus bring disgrace on all Israel.” The elders of Jabesh said to him, “Give us seven days’ respite that we may send messengers through all the territory of Israel. Then, if there is no one to save us, we will give ourselves up to you.”
Saul was coming from the field behind the oxen when he heard the weeping of the people. When he found out why, the Spirit of God rushed upon him and he became very angry. He sent a message to all of Israel to come and fight against the Ammonites and Saul defeated them (v.7-11).
Samuel said to the people, “Come, let us go to Gilgal and there renew the kingdom.” So all the people went to Gilgal, and there made Saul king before the Lord in Gilgal. There they sacrificed peace offerings before the Lord, and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.” v.14-15
All of Israel did not accept Saul as King, until he led them in battle and overcame. Don’t fear the opposition you face, the Lord has equipped you with all you need to overcome. The victory is yours in Christ. Set your face like flint on the path God has called you to and remember, the battle is the Lord’s. The Spirit of God will empower you to walk in victory. Remain in Him.
© 2021 by Ruth O’Reilly-Smith
