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“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.” – Romans 8:31 – 34
Every time I tried to open the door, a man on the other side kept pushing it closed. This happened several times, and I confess I became slightly irritated. “He knew I was leaving the room too – why does he keep shutting the door when I’m trying to walk through?” I silently wondered.
I had to push a bit more forcefully, and when I got the door open enough for the man to see me, he looked surprised. “Oh, you’re coming through?” he commented. I smiled weakly and nodded, then turned to close the door after myself. It was a partition door – and, turns out – it had difficulties remaining shut. That helped me somewhat understand why the man had repeatedly kept pushing it against me. In his efforts to prevent it from swinging open, he must not have fully realized there was someone on the other side. Oh well, all’s well that ends well.
We have an adversary in the Christian life. As we attempt to walk through open doors, we sometimes meet his resistance. Does this mean God doesn’t want us to go through? Absolutely not! Rather, we’re told to “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance” (James 1:2 – 3).
It’s tempting to choose the path of least resistance. After all, who doesn’t enjoy the easy road in life? A friend of mine recently shared that she used to think if difficulties arose, God must not be in the situation. But she has come to realize that’s not always the case, and I believe there are plenty of Scriptural examples to back up her viewpoint.
As we consider our Lord Jesus Christ, the opposition and accusations He regularly faced come quickly to mind. His was not a life of luxury, but one of sorrows and grief (Isaiah 53:3). Trial after trial marked His path to the ultimate trial: the cross. But it was on the cross that He crushed our adversary, the devil. Jesus died and was buried. Yet the stone was rolled away on the third day … and He came through! Hallelujah! Our risen Savior sits at God’s right hand and intercedes for us.
No matter what obstacles we face today, let’s be encouraged to persevere. Then, when we see the mighty hand of our God moving them aside, our joy will be that much sweeter.
“Through God we shall do valiantly; And it is He who will tread down our adversaries.” – Psalm 108:13
God has been whispering the words “hard work”. I confess, if something is hard, I don’t always want to do it, and I do wonder if the hardness proves God’s resistance. Your post is further confirmation of the Spirit’s leading to work hard!
So glad the Lord used this for further confirmation ~ I love how He makes certain points to us in such wonderful and personal ways. You are in my prayers! Our Father will provide all you need to accomplish your task ~ love to you.