“For a great and effective door has opened to me,
and there are many adversaries.
1st Corinthians 16:9

Adversaries come whenever one is serving God in any way. This should not be surprising and if you truly understand this, it should not be upsetting either. Satan will oppose every work of God, and in an effort to discourage the believer Satan will be relentless in his attacks. The believer should actually take it as encouragement – if Satan doesn’t oppose you, you’re no threat to him.

“…but rejoice to the extent
that you partake of Christ’s sufferings,
that when his glory is revealed,
you may also be glad with exceeding joy.”
1st Peter 4:13

We do not partake of the sufferings of Christ for nothing. The end of it will be “exceeding joy.” But we must understand and not be surprised when opposition comes. It can come in many forms. You will be called names, you will be laughed at, you will be rejected, you will suffer things that are unfair. Even people who don’t know your position in Christ will reject you for no apparent reason, because the spirit in them hates the Spirit within you.

When these things happen, know that it is evidence that you are in the will of God – for everyone serving the Lord will be opposed by hell. Remember that It’s not the person rejecting or afflicting you, it’s Satan himself using them.

“Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus
WILL suffer persecution.”
2nd Timothy 3:12

Read 2nd Corinthians 11:23-28 where the apostle Paul recounts what he went through because of his calling. Then when you are rejected, read it again.

Knowing in advance helps take the sting out of it. Be encouraged – no suffering for the Lord will escape his notice and the reward will be great.

Joy for all eternity.