Face Opposition Head On
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)
When I was young, I played recreation basketball. I remember this one particular year I was moving up from one division to the next, and I was playing for a different team and with a different group of guys than I had in the years before. No one knew me. No one knew my skills and abilities.
So in our third game of the season, we were in a game and losing pretty badly. The other team was bigger than us, stronger than us, and faster than us. Nothing we were doing seemed to be working.
At some point in the fourth quarter, with despair on his face, our coach called a time out and as the players gathered on the sidelines, coach looked at everyone on the team. None of my teammates wanted to go in, overcome with fear. So I raised my hand. The coach said, “What do you want, Coates?” I said, “Put me in coach. I’m ready to play!”
He said, “Do you see the size of the guys on the other team? They tower over you. Plus you’re the youngest guy on the team, and this is your first year.” He had a point, but despite all of that, I responded, “Coach, put me in. I’m ready to play because He that is within me is greater than the guys on the other team.”
So I ran in to start playing, and we ended up winning the game. My point? When we face opposition, we shouldn’t run away. We shouldn’t be paralyzed by fear. Instead, we should face opposition head on. We should remember that our God is greater than anyone or anything we will face on this earth, and that His power within us is stronger than any power trying to oppose us. Let’s not live in fear of opposition, but let’s face opposition with courage, bravery, and strength that comes from our Heavenly Father.
When I was young, I played recreation basketball. I remember this one particular year I was moving up from one division to the next, and I was playing for a different team and with a different group of guys than I had in the years before. No one knew me. No one knew my skills and abilities.
So in our third game of the season, we were in a game and losing pretty badly. The other team was bigger than us, stronger than us, and faster than us. Nothing we were doing seemed to be working.
At some point in the fourth quarter, with despair on his face, our coach called a time out and as the players gathered on the sidelines, coach looked at everyone on the team. None of my teammates wanted to go in, overcome with fear. So I raised my hand. The coach said, “What do you want, Coates?” I said, “Put me in coach. I’m ready to play!”
He said, “Do you see the size of the guys on the other team? They tower over you. Plus you’re the youngest guy on the team, and this is your first year.” He had a point, but despite all of that, I responded, “Coach, put me in. I’m ready to play because He that is within me is greater than the guys on the other team.”
So I ran in to start playing, and we ended up winning the game. My point? When we face opposition, we shouldn’t run away. We shouldn’t be paralyzed by fear. Instead, we should face opposition head on. We should remember that our God is greater than anyone or anything we will face on this earth, and that His power within us is stronger than any power trying to oppose us. Let’s not live in fear of opposition, but let’s face opposition with courage, bravery, and strength that comes from our Heavenly Father.
Subscribe Now for Free Daily Devotions
Recent
Archive
2024
January
Let it GoA Prayer for RestorationThe Power of Self-ForgivenessEmbracing FreedomFrom Transgression to RedemptionRelease and FreedomWisdom in ReflectionBlessed Assurance in ForgivenessEmbracing Divine RestTrusting in the WaitingEmbracing Peace in Unresolved MomentsMoving Forward Without ClosureA New Chapter AwaitsRefocusing for a New ChapterThe Danger of Looking BackLet God Be Your DefenseGod's Victory, Not OursThe Author of Your New ChapterThe Faithful Promise KeeperA Promise UnveiledThe Urgency of ObedienceThe University of AdversityThriving in AdversityForging the Future YouTransformative Power of AdversityThe Role of ResilienceThe Gift of EmpathyChanging PerspectiveGod's Purpose in Your AdversityThe Anchoring Power of TrustConsistent in Prayer, Unwavering in Praise
February
Navigating Life's JourneyLessons from the Prodigal SonStaying on TrackA Lesson in PatienceTrusting in God's TimingAvoiding the DriftChoosing Your Company WiselyThe Impact of Your Inner CircleThe Call to Responsible StewardshipFrom Rock Bottom to RedemptionGetting My Life Back On TrackWholeness Beyond Rock BottomWaking Up to ResponsibilityFacing the FactsOnly God Can Make Life Worth Living You Can Do ItYour Transformation MattersBreaking Free from ShameGod's Unwavering CareThe Good ShepherdThe Shepherd Who ProvidesFinding Refuge in God's ProtectionGod's Omnipotent ProtectionGod's Unseen ProtectionOverflowing BlessingsA Unique LoveA Divine ExchangeThe Power in His Precious BloodFrom Trials to Praise
March
Cleansing Body, Mind, and SpiritDetoxifying the MindDetoxifying for Spiritual EmpowermentThe Promise of God's PresenceWalking Purely Under God's ProtectionEmbracing God's Promise of RedemptionEmbracing God's Promise of ReconciliationThe Blessing of God's Adoption and ProvisionGod Desires RelationshipGod's Unconditional LoveGod's Gift of GraceNot OptionalPromises for the ChosenVIP Status in the KingdomThe Necessity of Cleansing for Kingdom CitizensThe Power WithinFinding Peace Beyond the PastHealing WoundsCleansing the TempleUnpacking the Trauma WithinHealing from WithinThe Promise of HealingBeyond the MindFinding Safety in Your BodyThe Power of a WishThe Ultimate WishBeyond Religious PerformanceBeyond Personal AchievementTrue Gain in Knowing ChristKnowing Christ DeeplyThe Power of His Resurrection
No Comments