Opposition

But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard of my arrival, they were very displeased that someone had come to help the people of Israel. [Nehemiah 2.10]

Is it just me, or does it seem like every time a person tries to do something for God, there is always something or someone who opposes it?

This is real. This is what any of us who attempt to serve God can expect. We have an enemy who will stop at nothing to kill, steal, and destroy - and this certainly includes anything we attempt to do for the Kingdom of God.

We must educate ourselves that the illusion of peace is not possible as long as good and evil occupy the same space. This is greatly amplified at the 'world' level.

Those who follow God have no choice but to follow God knowing that there will be opposition.

What's more, the scripture above specifically notes that Nehemiah had come to help the people of Israel. As we identify with the God of the Bible, we too find that we are to favor Israel (God's chosen people) - the Bible instructs that prayers for the peace of Israel be offered. Current events in the world definitely reveal that Israel remains a topic of contention for many.

So what do we do? We continue to seek God's Kingdom and peace on earth. But, we remember and calculate into every thought that there will be opposition.

Father, help us to understand that good and evil will never be at peace with one another.