"...a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me."
(1 Corinthians 16:9)

1 Corinthians 16:5-12
When I feel that the Lord is urging me to minister in a new way, I am excited and naively expect Him to lead the way with smooth sailing. I assume any opposition will instantly be leveled because it is a work that God is initiating. Paul shows me how wrong that thinking is.


Though we may head into an area of new ministry expecting quick and glorious results, that was not the experience of Paul, or even Jesus, in their ministries. Opposition from others can be great. Others oppose the ministry, oppose you personally, or oppose your intrusion into their ministerial area. Sometimes the strongest conflict can come from within the church.


Whatever the burden is that you’re experiencing as a disciple of Jesus, know that the Lord is in it. The good news is that we don’t carry our burdens alone. In fact, we can cast them all onto the Lord (Psalm 55:22). Jesus said, “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:30). Remember in doing ministry, the Lord is the “heavy lifter,” and we are the lightweights.



Scripture Focus

1 Corinthians 16:5-12

Insight

The Lord will accomplish His work in you in His perfect timing, sometimes in spite of your efforts and other times through your efforts.

Bible In A Year

  • Job 15-16
  • Psalm 50
  • Luke 13

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