"Adversaries and opposition do not break the spirits of faithful and successful ministers, but warm their zeal, and inspire them with fresh courage. A faithful minister is more discouraged by the hardness of his hearers' hearts, and the backslidings of professors [ministers], than by the enemies' attempts." - From Matthew Henry Commentary

Often we think an open door from God means that everything is smooth sailing. When in reality, I think it is normally quite the opposite.

As this scripture (I Corinthians 16:9) says, and I believe is true normally, when we are doing God's will and He opens doors, IT IS WITH ADVERSITY!

Satan is more than likely your main source of adversity. Although he may use PEOPLE or CIRCUMSTANCES as his source to oppose you, fret not, YOU ARE MORE THAN A CONQUEROR (Romans 8:37). Paul wrote those words AFTER saying, " Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?" (Romans 8:35).

Although we may go through adversity, it does not mean we are not victorious (or conquerors). Most of us will NEVER go through the adversity and opposition that Paul did. Even though he spent much of his life persecuted and in prison (see II Cor. 11:23-28), earlier in this epistle to the Corinthians he thanked God "….who ALWAYS causeth us to TRIUMPH…."
- II Cor. 2:14.

If God has opened a door, but adversity is hitting you on every side, don't give up. You may be right in God's perfect will. As Matthew Henry said, don't let adversaries and opposition break your spirit (cause you to quit), but let it produce zeal and encouragement in the heart.
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HAVE A JESUS BLESSED WEEK!

Jim (BibleFood@aol.com)