Opportunity & Opposition
There are two kingdoms that govern this world. There is a kingdom of light which we are ruled by when we surrender our lives to God. There is the kingdom of darkness which governs principalities, powers, the rulers of darkness of this world and spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12). The Devil has been described as the Prince of the world system. He has also been referred to the Prince of the air or the God of this world (Ephesians 2:2; 2 Corinthians 4:4). These two world systems stand in direct opposition to each other. God created the heavens and the earth and he is the all powerful God.
The Devil sought to wrestle control from God which resulted in him being cast out of heaven. “You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north” (Isaiah 14:13). Satan fell down from heaven like lightning and with his fall we have been given authority to trample over every power of darkness. We are in this world but not of this world. Our assignment on earth is to advance the kingdom of God. As we work to advance the kingdom, God will open doors of opportunity for us. We can anticipate adversaries with each opportunity.
This is the type of resistance which Paul and the other disciples experienced as they sought to advance the kingdom of God. This is the resistance which led to Jesus being crucified because the forces of darkness sought to stop the work of Calvary. The good news that even Jesus’s death could not stop the plan of God. In fact, the Devil played into the hands of God and worked to accomplish God’s purpose. Jesus’s death led to his resurrection, ascension and the salvation of the world.
The world hates us because it hated Jesus and we are born of God and the Holy Spirit lives in us. Resistance is often a sign of demonic interference and new opportunities. When we are fully armoured, we are dangerous to the kingdom of darkness. Although Paul faced many adversaries and opposition, he accomplished his assignment. “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).
A.P.-Y.
Published by Anneta Pinto-Young
I am a trained Social Worker who currently provides professional leadership on a programme to support Social Work students and Newly Qualified Social Workers entering the Social Work Profession.
Born and raised in Jamaica in a Christian family where my father is an ordained Pastor and Deacon who has served for over 50 years in the ministry. My father is also a trained musician and our family can be described as a musical family. I grew up in a small farming community in St. Peter’s, St. Andrew and my parents also have a small farm.
I credit my gift of writing to my father who I watched and listened to over the years as he wrote sermons, poems and other recitals in his capacity in ministry. English has always been an easy subject for me and over the years I have developed an increased interest in writing.
I am a Trainer, I sing and have a passion for worship, the spoken word and the free flow of the prophetic anointing. I am married to my best friend Andrew Christopher Young who is an advanced Musician and whose music you can find on YouTube and Facebook. I am a trained Coach and Mentor and I love experimenting with food so I love cooking. I enjoy trying cultural dishes from across the world and I view food as an entry into cultures and languages.
View all posts by Anneta Pinto-Young
Published
June 26, 2021
