Opposition

The thunder of the sea lies just beyond the umbrella trees beckoning me to slow down and listen.  Breathe deeply.  Hear a different rhythm, one that soothes my soul.

Meandering through the pebble-strewn shore, we make our way to the water’s edge.  The chocolate sand looks rich as fertile soil.  The whipped-up water mixes the sand, resembling a mug of hot chocolate…I can almost smell it now.

            Slow-down and listen deeply.  Savor the goodness of God.  Rest in his protection.  Marvel at his beauty, his blessings.  Embrace his penetrating warmth.  Worship Jesus our creator; every inch of my body, worship him, the love of my life.

            Hearing the squeals of delight rising above the deep roar of the sea, the children – tender, precious, full of joy and wonder – laugh wholeheartedly.  The whipped foam of the crashing wave tosses them off balance, yet brings delight and challenge.  Can they stand against the wave?  Protected by a cove and a leeward island, the strength of the Pacific is mollified.  Consequently, the tide is gentle enough, yet still powerful.  The opposition piques their enjoyment.

            As my walk with God lengthens, I see the necessity of opposition.  I don’t like it, but it causes me to fight against complacency and reach out with a new found vehemence toward God – a principle reflected throughout history. 

As the early church suffered periods of intense persecution at the edict of Roman emperors, instead of squelching faith, quite the opposite occurred:  faith sharpened.  Through witnessing the martyrdom of believers, records show some pagans converted to Christianity.  The fortitude, courage, and peace exhibited by the 2^nd and 3^rd century Christians could only be supernatural.  (Also, just read Acts to see how the church flourished under adversity).  Something amazingly desirous about a faith like that! 

When adversity is removed, the church loses its zeal.  Just look at what happened to the church after Emperor Constantine in the 4^th century converted to  Christianity – commitment declined.  Church historian Bruce Shelley notes, “Stalwart believers whom [the previous Emperor] Diocletian killed were replaced by a mixed multitude of half-converted pagans” who killed to secure power seats within the church. 

It is obvious to see that faith became perfected through adversity.  As I reach out of myself and toward the One who is the author and perfecter of my faith, this unexplainable abounding joy is achieved (Heb. 12:2).  Now, I’m not pursuing conflict (or martyrdom), but I am pursuing that kind of faith, adversity and all, because it’s that good…Lead on, Father!