Originally published Monday, 18 November 2013.
www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org
Many times when I’m getting ready for a big task or assignment from the Lord, it’s like I have this “Face Off” with the enemy. I mean, he seriously tries to create road blocks to hinder God’s plan. Have you ever experienced this before? It comes in all forms like negative people, tough circumstances, doubt, fear, and sometimes even when it looks like things are beginning to fall apart at the seams, here he comes. However, during times like these, that’s when we have to recognize this is nothing but “opposition” staring us straight in the face. It’s the enemy’s way of trying to discourage us from pressing forward with what we know we’re called to do. Yet, that’s when we have to be determined to fight through the adversity at all cost.
While reading the book of Nehemiah awhile back, I noticed that he had to go through serious opposition when he had a heart cry to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem for his people (this is a great book in the Bible to read when you’re facing great opposition). He not only had to face issues from the outside, but also from within. Figure that out! Nonetheless, he did not allow any of it to stop him or detour him from his assignment. I love it! He stayed focused while relying on the Lord, and in the end he completed the task. The enemy was defeated!
Did you see that? When he stayed focused and relied on God, he was able to complete the task…then the enemy was defeated. I’ve learned over time that “focus” is so vital when pressing through to accomplish a great task. It’s only when we lose focus, when the enemy can get us side-tracked. Proverbs 4:25-26 says, “Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet, then stick to the path and stay safe. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.” What this is saying is don’t take your eyes off the goal or mission and off of Jesus. Prepare yourself mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and stick to the plan that has been set before you. Don’t get off track, and in the process, live right.
I remember having a dream not too long ago, whereas I felt like God was preparing me for something that was forthcoming. I now know that He was indeed. In the dream, I was driving down this 2-way highway going about my way. But then all of a sudden, this truck got in front of me, and it became this face-off. Now for a minute, I didn’t really understand what was happening, I had lost focus. But then all of sudden, I realized that this woman who was driving this big truck was really trying to back me up into oncoming traffic onto another highway that was coming up behind me. Her intention was to destroy me. So immediately, I pressed down hard on my acceleration and began backing her up. Eventually, I backed her up so much that her truck flipped over on the side of the road, and then I called in reinforcement.
Now after waking up from such a dream, I knew God was preparing me for something. And like I said earlier, He was indeed. I actually had a face-off with someone who was standing in my way while trying to accomplish a task (literally). For a moment, I didn’t know what to do. But then I regained my focus and pressed through beyond that particular individual and prayerfully completed the task successfully. That was nobody BUT God! Amen!
So here’s my nugget for today’s post…whether you’re on a secular job or in ministry, you will face opposition at some point when you’re trying to accomplish something greater than yourself. I can tell you from experience that you will not be able to do it in your own strength or ability, and you will need others to help you. But most importantly, you will need the power of God working within you to overcome the obstacles to complete it successfully. The Bible tells us in Zechariah 4:6, "This is the word of the Lord...not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts." It will be accomplished by His spirit. Your job is to trust Him all the way through it.
I also want you to hold onto these Scriptures, “God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him.” - Philippians 2:13 (NLT) Also know that, “No weapon formed against you shall prosper.” - Isaiah 54:17. And that “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand.” -Ephesians 6:12-13.
Press through opposition with perseverance and determination in your work today, and be strong in Christ, my sister. You can do it!
Remember, Jesus is coming back soon. Let’s get ready from the Inside Out.
~Courtnaye
*Thanks for reading! I hope and pray that you’ve been enlightened from this post. Feel absolutely free to leave a comment or for questions you can email me directly at insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com, and I will respond promptly. Also, tune in every Monday at 7:30am for new posts! Don’t forget to “Like” my Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutWCourtnaye) and share this blog with friends, family, co-workers, or your women’s group or ministry. I’d love to stay connected and help more women grow in the Lord! Thanks again and may God be with you!
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