“…a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.” -1 Corinthians 16:9
Diane and I are in the Middle East and only a few hundred miles from the city where the apostle Paul first penned these words to the Corinthian church. The same truths remain today, and in very evident ways. Where there is great need and great opportunity there is also great opposition. It is aways the case. As the gospel advances, the attacks increase. We would like to think that the warfare subsides with each spiritual victory, but that is not the reality. The opposition comes from within and from without. It is both spiritual and physical. Believers in this part of the world do not have an easy life. And neither should you.
When you grow weary in the battle, remember this:
- The need for the gospel is larger than it has ever been.
- The opportunities for the gospel are greater than ever before.
- The opposition to gospel advances will only increase.
- His grace is more than sufficient for us.
Paul follows up his words, “…a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me”, with an admonition for all of us:
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” -1 Corinthians 16:13-14
This is the nature of the Christian walk. And this is how we are to respond. It is true in the Middle East and in Dunbar, WI, both in Paul’s day and in our own. Take heart and believe!