Opposition Brings Opportunity

This morning I was reading through the book of Micah, one of the minor prophets, and the following few verses caught my attention:

Micah 4:11-13 NIV

[11] "But now many nations are gathered against you. They say, “Let her be defiled, let our eyes gloat over Zion!”
[12] "But they do not know the thoughts of the Lord; they do not understand his plan, that he has gathered them like sheaves to the threshing floor."
[13] “Rise and thresh, Daughter Zion, for I will give you horns of iron; I will give you hooves of bronze, and you will break to pieces many nations.” You will devote their ill-gotten gains to the Lord, their wealth to the Lord of all the earth."

As I read these verses, I was greatly encouraged by the Lord's perspective towards difficulties, struggles and enemies (verse 12) - namely that He allows them to gather together so that He can cut them down like ripe wheat, and thresh them of everything of value, giving it to His people. In this case, He is talking about enemy peoples, but I am confident this also applies to any difficulties or struggles that we face. We just need to change our perspective.

One of my favorite saying from a Catholic teacher named St. Alphonsus de Ligouri is that everything we encounter is for our greater sanctification (becoming Christ-like) and His (God's) greater glory. One of my favorite authors and speakers, Graham Cooke, says it this way - 'behind every giant of opposition is a bigger promise and provision from God.'

So often we look at difficult circumstances as if we are being punished or have done something wrong, and sometimes we are encountering the consequences of bad or wrong decisions. However, what if the majority of the time, God is planning to reveal more of His Glory to us, and draw us deeper into relationship with Him, allowing us to become more like Him. If we start looking past our opposition to God, we can start to see His plans and thoughts. God isn't in this to crush us, or wound us, but rather to bring us freedom and life, and reveal to us that we are His sons and daughters.

It seems to me that this is a bit like a supernatural version of the TV show "The Amazing Race" where each week the task is more difficult, but the people continue to press through the tasks because they know that eventually the winners receive a great prize. The difference between that TV show and life with God is that in this scenario we all get to win the prize - awesome experiences with God, recognition of our true identity, and His greater Glory.

Paul clearly understood this whole idea, and wrote several times about the topic of suffering and dealing wth opposition, leading to God's Glory. Just one of the many verses from Paul - Romans 8:17-18 NIV

[17] "Now if we are children, then we are heirs---heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. [18] I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."

Peter also wrote about this same topic - 1 Peter 4:12-13 NIV:

[12] "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. [13] But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed."

So, let us be encouraged, especially if we are confronted with difficulty or opposition, knowing that God also has plans for our rescue, and His glorification. It is an amazing adventure, and He is the prize! We just need to change our perspective, and see it like He sees it, opposition is an opportunity for Him to shine, and for us to grow in our relationship with Him.