Prepare To Be Opposed

Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.

Hebrews 12:3

In 1786, a young Englishman named William Carey raised the subject of world evangelization with a group of ministers. He was reportedly told, “Young man, sit down; when God pleases to convert the heathen, He will do it without your aid and mine.” But Carey would not be dissuaded. By 1792, he had published a revolutionary book on the church’s responsibility in world missions and founded a missionary society with several other ministerial supporters. When he prepared to sail to India to preach the gospel, his wife refused to accompany him, although she eventually agreed.

The resistance William Carey encountered is not unusual. Young David’s family resisted his determination to slay Goliath. Jesus’ family and friends thought He was crazy (Mark 3:21). And Paul’s friends tried to talk him out of his obedience to God. There will always be opposition against those who desire to carry out God’s will for their lives.

If you have something you want to do for God, prepare to be opposed. If you are being opposed now, commit your way to the Lord (Proverbs 3:5-6).

The Word of God never yet prospered in the world without opposition.

IAIN H. MURRAY