Opposition

Have you ever been laughed at, ridiculed or made fun of because of your faith?  Did you ever stand for something that you felt so strong about just to find out that others didn’t like it and started talking behind your back, starting rumors about you?  It is never fun to be the brunt of a joke especially when it is from someone you would never expect to do such a thing to you.

I want you to think about what Noah might have felt like when he took a stand against everyone else, except his family, in the day he lived?  Think about it, the people in his day, as well as Noah, had never seen rain.  Here Noah was building an ark, a large type of boat, and telling everyone it was going to rain.  Noah was a man who enjoyed grace and favor with God.  Was he a perfect man?  No, but he honored God and walked in His ways.  

I would be amiss if I didn’t mention how patient God was, giving all the people 120 years to repent and turn away from their sins.  It was a very long time and Noah probably preached to the people daily while he was building the ark, check out 1 Peter 3:20.  Noah stood for what God told him and what he believed was going to take place regardless of the opposition.  Even thou most of the people stood at odds with Noah and he faced things that we may never fully understand, Noah kept his eyes on the task that lie before him and accomplished what the Lord told him to do.  

Like Noah we may be asked to stand for something that may contrast other people’s views or the way they think and we may face laughter, taunting and even persecution, but if the Lord has spoken to you, you must stand your ground.  I have heard or read this before, “If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.”

Try to think of life as a big stage and you are one of the actors on that stage.  What do people do when they go to a play?  They watch the actor very closely to see what kind of performer he is, but there are some people watching to see if the actor makes a mistake so that they can laugh at him.  Many eyes are on the actor scrutinizing his every move for various reasons.  Now try to see yourself as the actor, if you claim to be a believer people are watching you, scrutinizing your every move just like they were watching Noah.

Many must have known his character and how he lived his life but would his faith hold up or would he crumble and give up under the task he had to accomplish, would his word come true in the end.  Apparently they were so hardhearted because of their sins that none believed until it was too late and the windows and door were shut and could not be opened until after the flood took place.

People are looking at our lives also and not always for our good.  Even believers want you to fail at times out of jealousy or other reasons.  Maybe they want the position you hold or they don’t like your popularity, there could be many reasons but regardless you need to stand for what the Lord is telling you.

Martin Luther stood for what he felt the Lord told him and he stood against the whole Catholic Church, starting the reformation.  When God spoke to him through His Word it set him free from works and trying to save himself.  When he read the words, “The righteous shall live by faith,” he was not only set free but he wanted others that were in bondage set free also.  As a result he was excommunicated, or thrown out, of the church, almost costing him his life.

So make sure the Lord has spoken to you then stand on what He said and don’t give up until it takes place. By the way if Martin Luther had given up there may have never been a protestant church, I for one am glad he followed through.  I hope this ‘tidbit’ has been an encouragement to you.  May God bless you and yours and have a great day!!  PS don’t forget to thank and praise the Lord.