I read 1 Cor. 16 this morning. It’s interesting that Paul wrote to the Believers at Corinth and told them he would be staying in Ephesus for a while because: “……a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.” (vs. 9)

Any time you are striving to do what God has called you to do there will be adversaries who oppose you and the ministry you’re trying to do. This opposition can arise from your own church family, from your community, from people in other churches, and even in your own family. It’s part of life and part of ministry.

Jesus faced opposition and if you follow Him, you’ll face it too. In fact, if everyone is happy with what you’re doing – you’re probably not really be doing what He called you to do! At one point in the Gospels Jesus said if they hated me they’ll hate you too. Opposition goes with the territory, but often helps refine & strengthen our faith – so don’t give up!

A great verse to memorize in light of this is from this same letter of Paul to the church at Corinth where he reminded them: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Cor. 15:58 NASB)