Understanding and Overcoming Spiritual Opposition in Your Walk with Christ

Understanding Spiritual Opposition

When we embark on our spiritual journeys, we often face challenges that test our faith and resolve. Yet the Bible reminds us that opposition is to be expected whenever we strive to walk more closely with God or accomplish His purposes.

Why Spiritual Opposition Occurs

Spiritual warfare is real. There are forces at work in the invisible realms that actively resist the plans of God. The enemy hates when God's people press deeper into their relationship with Him or step out to share their faith. As we choose to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, we become threats to the devil's schemes (Ephesians 6:12).

Our struggles also refine our character, strengthen our trust in God, and equip us to minister to others facing trials. As we persevere through tests of faith, we receive new spiritual breakthroughs andauthority to push back the darkness. God promises to be with us and see us through every battle (Deuteronomy 31:6).

Forms of Spiritual Opposition

The resistance we encounter may come in various forms such as:

• Negative thoughts or emotional turbulence
• Relational strife and misunderstandings
• Physical afflictions or financial difficulties
• Demoralizing accusations that plague our conscience
• Distractions that diminish our spiritual passion

At times, the hardship relates directly to an act of obedience to God. Other times, it stems from ongoing spiritual warfare aimed to derail our intimacy with Christ.

Overcoming Seasons of Opposition

During turbulent seasons, our gut reaction often involves fear, avoidance, or counterattacks. Yet Scripture offers a better way:

1. Stand firm in our identity - We must remember we belong to Christ and have been sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13). No weapon formed against us can prosper (Isaiah 54:17).
2. Reject condemnation - The enemy is called "the accuser of the brethren" (Revelation 12:10). Yet the Bible declares no condemning charges can separate us from God's love (Romans 8:38-39).
3. Pray for protection and deliverance - Humbling ourselves before God activates heavenly reinforcements (James 4:7). Prayer helps release breakthrough over the battle.
4. Walk in wisdom and discernment - As we renew our minds in Scripture, we access God's perspective (Romans 12:2). Staying grounded in truth neutralizes deception.
5. Forgive and bless those used against you - Just as Jesus prayed for His persecutors, forgiving others defuses resentment the enemy exploits. Blessing those who hurt us also heaps burning coals on the devil's head (Romans 12:14; Proverbs 25:21-22).

Maintaining Spiritual Momentum Through Opposition

During times when spiritual opposition threatens our drive and passion for Christ, the Bible offers this encouragement:

Draw Strength From God

"Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength" (Isaiah 40:31). Our soul finds nourishment and vitality as we wait on Him, worship Him, and partake of the Lord's Supper which symbolizes His life and victory won for us.

Shield Your Heart

"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it" (Proverbs 4:23). Ask God to guard your heart from bitterness, discouragement, and isolation during trials so you keep thriving inwardly.

Remain Kingdom-Focused

Paul said: "We do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen" (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). Keeping an eternal mindset empowers us to endure and overcome.

Embracing the Process

If we expect to escape all opposition and hardship on our spiritual journeys, we set ourselves up for frustration, disappointment, and confusion about God's care for us. Instead, we must embrace suffering and tests as tools God uses to refine us for greater influence. Our response to trials can make us bitter or better, defeated or strengthened for destiny.

Though spiritual opposition tries to slow or derail God's purposes in and through us, His grace enables us to pass these tests and step further into our callings. United to Christ, we prevail through Him! God already has the victory secured for us.

FAQs

Why does spiritual opposition happen to devoted followers of Christ?

Spiritual opposition happens because the devil actively tries to resist believers who seek to grow closer to God or accomplish His purposes. As we become threats to evil schemes, demonic forces try to derail our intimacy with Christ through various hardships. Yet God uses these trials to spiritually strengthen us.

What if I feel too weary to stand strong against spiritual opposition?

Turn to God to renew your inner strength rather than trying to muscle through weariness alone. Set your focus on His supernatural life, love and power at work within you. Also nurture your soul through worship, Scripture and community support during the battle.

How can I avoid demonic deception during spiritual battles?

The enemy will try to plague your mind with distorted thoughts about yourself, God and the conflict you face. Combat those lies by immersing yourself in God’s truthful perspective shared within the Bible. Allow Scripture to renew your mindset during turbulent times.

What good could possibly come from facing spiritual opposition?

God uses seasons of hardship and testing to strengthen our faith, refine our character, deepen our intimacy with Christ, equip us to help others, and prepare us for greater spiritual authority. Leaning into Him through trials leads to breakthrough and victory.