Attention! Calling all Adversaries. (9/12/13)

Paul said he had an 'open door of opportunity' to minister in Ephesus, but immediately following that statement he said 'and there are many adversaries.' An open door is not a guarantee of 'happily ever after' in your life and work for the Lord!

When Nehemiah was ordained by God to rebuild the wall in Jerusalem there were adversaries all around. The builders carried a sword in one hand and worked on the wall with the other. Those who were not working on rebuilding served as armed guards. Nehemiah gave them the tools to both do the Lord's work and fight their enemies as they worked: "I said to the ...people, do not be afraid of the enemy; remember the Lord and imprint Him [on your minds], great and terrible, and [take from Him courage to] fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes." Neh 4:14

In this life we will have trouble-that includes adversaries prompted by the enemy of our souls and things within ourselves that keep the road from being smooth, even if the door of opportunity is wide open. Moving forward in God's plans will draw the adversaries attention.

Take courage! Fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, your homes! HE is greater in us than the enemy is in this world!