In your face? (2)
Previously, we saw how to respond to challenges or difficulties that come against us namely pray, listen, don’t give in, suggest alternatives, battle and give thanks.
Knowing what motivates or propels opposition is important. It reveals the why, which leads to how to address opposition. Opposition is what wants to prevent you from accomplishing your God given destiny or step into your glorious future.
Every problem has in it the seeds of its own solution. If you don't have any problems, you don't get any seeds. ~Norman Vincent Peale
Previous accomplishments. 2 Kings 14:7 lists 3 quick accomplishments of Amaziah. He defeated Edom, killed 10,000 of its soldiers, took over Selah and renamed it according to his heart's desire.
Pride: When pride motivates an individual, shame and destruction is sure. Amaziah walked in pride and did not listen to God nor godly counsel. (2 Kings 14:10)
And the proud one shall stumble and fall, and none shall raise him up; and I will kindle a fire in his cities, and it shall devour all that are round about him. Jeremiah 50:32
But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble. James 4:6
Amaziah refused to listen to God’s counsel through the man of God sent to warn him (2 Chronicles 25: 15-16).
People who walk in pride are set for self-destruction like time bombs. It is not necessary to fight them or do anything.
Wrong advice (2 Chronicles 25: 17): People, situations or the devil will offer bad advice. Taking and implementing bad advice is dangerous. We should be led by the Holy Spirit and counsel from God-fearing counselors. Amaziah listened to, accepted and acted on advice that led to his defeat and shame. He should have been more concerned with the salvation of Jehoash. May you be discerning and not go with wrong advice in Jesus mighty name. The root source of wrong, misleading and destructive advice is the devil, whose sole mission is to kill, steal and destroy. May you not be destroyed or successfully targeted by forces of darkness in Jesus mighty name! Amen! May you be discerning and never accept, use or follow wrong advice in Jesus mighty name! Amen.
Using right, godly counsel to advance; and make war. Every purpose is established by counsel: and by wise guidance (advice) make war (Proverbs 20:18)
Remember: A bend in the road is not the end of the road... unless you fail to make the turn. ~Author Unknown
Without proper counsel, purposes are disappointed: Where there is no counsel, purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established. (Proverbs 15:22)
We turn to God for help when our foundations are shaking, only to learn that it is God who is shaking them. ~Charles C. West
Jehoash did not want to fight, but was confronted with opposition that was propelled by pride, previous accomplishments and wrong advice.
May God use your life God to teach your opponents a lesson, may God use the situation you are going through to strengthen your faith and give you victory!
Peace!
