By Eric Otchere I http://www.livingourbible.com
Introduction
Every person with a God-given vision will, at some point, face resistance. The path to fulfilling divine purpose is rarely smooth. Opposition comes in many forms—people, systems, discouragements, delays, and spiritual attacks. But the Bible is rich with lessons on how to rise above these barriers and accomplish God’s will. One such powerful story is found in the book of Ezra.
Ezra chronicles the return of the Jewish exiles to Jerusalem and their efforts to rebuild the temple—a project initiated by the divine decree of King Cyrus. However, what began as a hopeful mission was soon halted by fierce opposition.
The enemies of Judah used manipulation, accusations, and political pressure to stop the work. Yet in time, through prophetic intervention and renewed obedience, the temple was completed. This narrative offers timeless truths on how to handle opposition and fulfill divine assignments.
Let us explore how people are stopped in their dreams by opposers, followed by five powerful ways to overcome such resistance and walk in victory.
Three Ways People Are Stopped by Opposers
1. Intimidation and Fear Tactics – Nehemiah’s Wall Builders
In Nehemiah 4, when Nehemiah led the charge to rebuild Jerusalem’s wall, opposition came from Sanballat and Tobiah. They mocked, threatened, and tried to instill fear in the workers. Fear is a potent tool in the enemy’s arsenal—used to paralyze action and erode faith. Many people abandon their calling or divine assignments because they are afraid of criticism, failure, or backlash.
“Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren…” – Nehemiah 4:14 (NKJV)
2. Legal and Political Manipulation – Ezra and the Temple Builders
In Ezra 4, adversaries of the Jews wrote letters to King Artaxerxes accusing the builders of rebellion. They used official channels to halt a spiritual work. Today, we see this tactic through bureaucracy, unjust regulations, or systems that suppress godly initiatives.
“Then the people of the land tried to discourage the people of Judah. They troubled them in building…” – Ezra 4:4-5 (NKJV)
3. Internal Discouragement and Loss of Focus – Elijah on Mount Horeb
Sometimes, opposition is not external. In 1 Kings 19, after confronting the prophets of Baal, Elijah flees to Mount Horeb fearing Jezebel’s threat. Discouraged and exhausted, he asks God to take his life. Even mighty men of God can become disoriented when pressure overwhelms them. Many dreams die quietly in the wilderness of discouragement.
“I have had enough, Lord… Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” – 1 Kings 19:4 (NIV)
Five Ways to Overcome Opposition and Fulfill God’s Will
1. Let Your Vision Drive You
The Jewish exiles in Ezra 1 had a clear mandate—to rebuild the temple of God. Despite fierce resistance, their unwavering commitment to that vision kept them anchored. Similarly, when God gives you a vision, it must burn so deeply in your spirit that no obstacle can quench it.
As Proverbs 29:18 declares, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Vision is not just a dream—it is a divine assignment. Let your calling become your compass. Don’t trade your purpose for comfort.
2. Don’t Give Up
One of the most dangerous responses to opposition is surrender. The builders paused their work for years due to fear and discouragement, but eventually, they resumed and finished. The key was perseverance.
Hebrews 10:39 offers timely counsel:
“But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.” (NIV)
Opposition is often a sign that you are on the right path. Don’t let temporary resistance cause permanent forfeiture of your destiny.
3. Seek the Direction of God
When the prophets Haggai and Zechariah spoke into the situation, the people were realigned with God’s plan. Prophetic guidance reignited the mission. In moments of opposition, don’t lean on logic alone—lean on revelation.
2 Chronicles 20:20 reminds us:
“Believe in the Lord your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper.” (NKJV)
God’s word brings clarity, courage, and course correction. Through prayer, Scripture, and godly counsel, you can discern divine strategies to outmaneuver opposition.
4. Act on God’s Word
Faith is not passive. When the people in Ezra acted on God’s instruction, the work resumed with power and purpose. God’s word is a catalyst for transformation. Reading it stirs our spirit. Acting on it changes our reality.
Hebrews 4:12 affirms:
“For the word of God is alive and active… it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (NIV)
Obedience unlocks divine backing. When you move in step with God’s Word, no adversary can withstand you.
5. Complete the Work
Many start with passion but never finish. The Jews not only started again but completed the temple. God honors those who finish. Paul declared in 2 Timothy 4:7:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (NIV)
Finishing requires discipline, focus, and grace. Remember, God is committed to your completion. Philippians 1:6 assures us:
“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (NIV)
The message is clear: Opposition is not the end; it is often the womb of breakthrough.
Conclusion
Opposition is not optional for the believer—it is inevitable. But it is not undefeatable. Like the Jews in Ezra’s time, you too can rise above discouragement, distractions, and demonic resistance. Let the vision God gave you drive your steps. Refuse to give up. Tune your ears to His direction. Act boldly on His word. And most importantly, finish what you started.
The same God who helped Ezra, Nehemiah, and Elijah is with you. His word declares in Romans 8:31,
“If God is for us, who can be against us?” (NIV)
Be bold. Be focused. Be faithful. Your destiny awaits on the other side of the battle. And your victory will be a testimony to others that God finishes what He starts.
If this article blessed you, share it with someone who may be facing opposition right now. Let them know: with God on their side, they are truly unstoppable.
Living Our Bible is a Christian digital platform dedicated to declaring the whole counsel of God and publishing biblically sound content daily.
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