ADVANCING IN THE MIDST OF OPPOSITION

ADVANCING IN THE MIDST OF OPPOSITION

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Nehemiah 4:1-21

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 54:17, 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, Romans 8:31, Psalm 27:1-3, Exodus 14:13-15

INTRODUCTION:
Life's journey is often filled with resistance, but those who are determined to advance cannot be stopped by external opposition. Just like Nehemiah, when God's hand is upon your life, progress is possible even when enemies arise. It is easy to feel discouraged when opposition comes, but Scripture assures us that if God be for us, who can be against us?

Many people quit their assignments at the sign of resistance. However, divine purpose attracts both favour and warfare. You must be rooted in God's Word, energised by His Spirit, and surrounded by vision helpers to press through and press on. Advancement in the midst of opposition requires spiritual alertness, courage, and consistent focus.

God does not always remove obstacles, but He empowers us to overcome them. The storm may rage, but it cannot sink the vessel that carries the presence of God. In this teaching, you will learn how to keep building, keep moving, and keep standing in the face of any opposition.

1. OPPOSITION IS OFTEN A SIGN OF DIVINE PURPOSE
The presence of resistance often validates that your mission carries weight in the spirit realm.

a) God's assignments attract adversaries
Every God-given task will draw opposition from the enemy (1 Corinthians 16:9).

b) The enemy fears your progress
When your advancement threatens the enemy's agenda, he will stir up resistance (Exodus 1:12).

c) Spiritual assignments provoke battles
Expect war when your assignment is to build what glorifies God (Nehemiah 2:10).

d) Challenges come to distract and discourage
The devil uses criticism and fear to hinder God’s work (Nehemiah 4:1–3).

Biblical Example: Nehemiah
Nehemiah faced ridicule and threats from Sanballat and Tobiah, yet he continued to build the wall (Nehemiah 4:6).

2. FAITH AND COURAGE SUSTAIN ADVANCEMENT
To advance amidst opposition, you must hold on to God’s promises with unwavering faith.

a) Faith shields against fear
Faith keeps you standing when fear tries to cripple you (Isaiah 41:10).

b) Courage fuels progress
Courage helps you confront enemies without turning back (Joshua 1:9).

c) God strengthens the weak
Divine strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

d) Boldness is a sign of divine backing
When God is with you, boldness becomes your default (Proverbs 28:1).

Biblical Example: David
David ran towards Goliath with courage and confidence in God's name (1 Samuel 17:45-50).

3. STAY FOCUSED AND KEEP BUILDING
Distraction is one of the enemy’s most effective weapons, but focus keeps you progressing.

a) Distractions delay destiny
When you look away from your assignment, your progress slows (Luke 9:62).

b) Vision fuels endurance
When the vision is clear, distractions lose their power (Habakkuk 2:2–3).

c) Ignore mockers and critics
Critics are often part of the crowd, not the crew (Nehemiah 6:3).

d) Focus is maintained through prayer
Prayer keeps your spirit sharp and your mind stable (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Biblical Example: Jesus Christ
Despite all opposition, Jesus kept His face like a flint and completed His redemptive assignment (Luke 9:51).

4. GOD ALWAYS PROVIDES HELPERS FOR THE VISION
Even in the face of battles, God surrounds you with people who strengthen your hands.

a) God raises burden bearers
You are not alone; destiny helpers are assigned to your journey (Exodus 17:12).

b) Every Nehemiah needs a team
Advancement is faster and stronger with the right support system (Nehemiah 4:15–17).

c) Encouragement comes through divine connections
God sends people who speak strength into your spirit (Acts 28:15).

d) Angelic help is always available
You are not only helped by men but also by divine agents (Psalm 91:11–12).

Biblical Example: Paul
Paul had companions like Silas, Timothy, and Luke who encouraged and strengthened him in ministry (Acts 16:25; Acts 20:4).

5. GOD IS COMMITTED TO YOUR ADVANCEMENT
No force can stop the progress of someone whose trust is in the Lord.

a) God fights your battles
He is the One who gives you victory over every opposition (Exodus 14:14).

b) His favour opens doors that enemies cannot shut
Divine favour will override human opposition (Revelation 3:8).

c) Nothing can successfully work against you
When God is for you, every plan against you is nullified (Romans 8:31).

d) God's presence guarantees advancement
His presence gives direction, protection, and breakthrough (Exodus 33:14).

Biblical Example: Moses and Israel
God led the Israelites forward despite Pharaoh's threats and the Red Sea obstacle (Exodus 14:15–22).

CONCLUSION:
The presence of opposition is not a reason to stop but a motivation to keep moving. Every resistance you face is an indication that you are on the right path. The devil only fights what threatens his kingdom.

Therefore, rise in boldness, stay focused on your God-given vision, surround yourself with the right people, and trust the Lord to keep pushing you forward. You are unstoppable, even in the midst of enemies!

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, empower me to advance despite every resistance.
2. Father, silence every voice of discouragement around me.
3. I receive divine boldness to face every Goliath in my life.
4. Lord, raise destiny helpers who will strengthen my hands.
5. Every Sanballat and Tobiah working against my vision, be silenced by fire.
6. Father, help me to stay focused and not be distracted.
7. Let Your favour open doors for me where men have shut me out.
8. I declare supernatural progress in all areas of my life.
9. Lord, frustrate every plan of the enemy against my assignment.
10. By Your power, I will finish what I started and glorify You!

GOD’S WORD FOR YOU TODAY:
1. You shall advance and nothing shall stop you!
2. Every enemy of your progress shall be scattered!
3. God will raise voices to speak for you in high places!
4. The favour of God will move you beyond the barriers of men!
5. You will finish strong and not be discouraged!
6. Your hands shall build and complete what you started!
7. No weapon formed against your destiny shall prosper!
8. The Lord shall cause you to laugh in the face of opposition!
9. Helpers will arise and stand with you until you succeed!
10. You will shine and no darkness can quench your light!