Outrageous Faith (part 5 of 5): Right In Front of Us

God's provision is often right there in front of us, but sometimes we can't see it because of opposition. Whenever you decide you are going to step out in faith and take action, there is going to be opposition. The opposition frequently comes from one or more of three sources: 1. It may be the opposition of other people. They will tell you every possible reason why it won't work, rather than encouraging you. There will always be people on the sidelines, even Christians, who will criticize. The enemy will use people, sometimes even those close to you, to keep you from moving forward. 2. Sometimes the opposition is circumstances - your job, your finances, the economy - to keep you from doing great things for God. You will see no EARTHLY way of moving forward. 3. Sometimes the opposition is in your head - negative voices, past failures, self-doubts, poor self-esteem - to keep you from doing great things for God. Now the king of Aram was at war with Israel. After conferring with his officers, he said, “I will set up my camp in such and such a place.” The man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Beware of passing that place, because the Arameans are going down there.” So the king of Israel checked on the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places. This enraged the king of Aram. He summoned his officers and demanded of them, “Tell me! Which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?” “None of us, my lord the king,” said one of his officers, “but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.” (2 Kings 6:8-12 NIV) The king thought there was a traitorous spy in his midst. In reality, God revealed the most intimate thoughts of the king to the prophet. “Go, find out where he is,” the king ordered, “so I can send men and capture him.” The report came back: “He is in Dothan.” Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city. When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked. “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. As the enemy came down toward him, Elisha prayed to the Lord, “Strike this army with blindness.” So he struck them with blindness, as Elisha had asked. Elisha told them, “This is not the road and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will lead you to the man you are looking for.” And he led them to Samaria. After they entered the city, Elisha said, “ Lord, open the eyes of these men so they can see.” Then the Lord opened their eyes and they looked, and there they were, inside Samaria. When the king of Israel saw them, he asked Elisha, “Shall I kill them, my father? Shall I kill them?” “Do not kill them,” he answered. “Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them so that they may eat and drink and then go back to their master.” So he prepared a great feast for them, and after they had finished eating and drinking, he sent them away, and they returned to their master. So the bands from Aram stopped raiding Israel’s territory. (2 Kings 6:13-23 NIV) When you are faced with opposition do the following four things: 1. Don't be afraid. Scripture is consistent throughout on this: don't be afraid. Why? Because He who is with us is much greater than those who are against us! We are afraid because we don't see what is right in front of us - the power of God! We need to pray the prayer: God, please open our eyes so that we can see what you can see - your power and provision. All fear will disappear when God opens our eyes. God's provision is always much greater than our opposition! 2. We must recognize that we are not alone. Those who are with me are greater than those who are against me. Greater is He who is in me, than he who is in the world! Sometimes we have to close our physical eyes in order to open our spiritual eyes. The sad truth is that God has all the power in the universe, yet His children live in weakness. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. (Ephesians 1:18-21 NIV) 3. Trust God to provide. God does not always provide the way we want Him to provide. He has a better way. We want revenge and justice. More often, God provides kindness, love, and grace. This is what changes lives - yours and your opposition's! 4. Take action. God cannot course correct an immovable object. If God has shown you His will, take action. Don’t wait forever for confirmation. Don’t fall into the mistake of analysis paralysis. This is just another form of lack of faith. And faith without works is dead. God may be testing your faith. And if you are really seeking to do His will, rather than you own, He will protect you if you start moving in the wrong direction by showing you another provision for your needs. But you have to move, you have to take action. And never mistake opposition for course correction. In fact, opposition is often confirmation that you are on track for doing great things for God. God’s provision for our needs is often right in front of us. Don't be afraid of His will - open your eyes to see the power of God - trust Him and His ways (not your ways) – take action and watch for God’s confirmation or course correction. This is the way to live a life of outrageous faith. Are you having difficulty discerning God's will? Or is the real issue having enough faith to act on what you believe He is telling to you do? Truth@Life can help. Call 248-396-6255 or email me at curtis.songer@gmail.com for a FREE consultation. For more info on help I can provide check out http://truthatlife.com/