Overcoming Opposition Through the Anointing

"And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing." - Isaiah 10:27 (KJV)

In the journey of faith, we often encounter seasons of opposition that test our resolve and challenge our understanding of God's ways. These times of struggle can be disheartening, causing us to question our calling or even God's presence in our lives. Yet, beloved, it is in these very moments that we must remember the power of the anointing that rests upon us – an anointing that not only sustains us through trials but empowers us to overcome them.

Consider the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. From the moment of His public ministry's inception, He faced relentless opposition. The religious leaders sought to undermine Him, the crowds misunderstood Him, and even His own disciples often failed to grasp His mission. Yet, through it all, He moved with an unmistakable anointing, declaring, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor..." (Luke 4:18, KJV). This anointing was not diminished by opposition; rather, it shone all the brighter against the backdrop of adversity.

So it is with us. The presence of opposition in our lives does not negate the reality of our anointing; instead, it provides the context in which that anointing can be most powerfully demonstrated. The Apostle Paul, understanding this truth, declared, "For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries" (1 Corinthians 16:9, KJV). Note the conjunction: not "but there are many adversaries," rather "and there are many adversaries." Paul saw the opposition not as a contradiction to his calling, but as a confirmation of it.

The presence of opposition in our lives does not negate the reality of our anointing; instead, it provides the context in which that anointing can be most powerfully demonstrated.

Indeed, we must come to understand that the presence of significant opposition may well be an indication of God's special purpose for our lives or ministry. When the enemy arrays his forces against us, it is often because he recognizes the threat we pose to his kingdom of darkness. Therefore, let us not be discouraged by opposition, but rather encouraged, knowing that where there is great opposition, there is often great opportunity for God's power to be displayed.

The anointing that rests upon us is not a fragile thing, easily dispelled by the winds of adversity. No, it is a robust and dynamic force, described in Scripture as destroying yokes and removing burdens. When we face opposition, our first recourse should be to press deeper into this anointing, allowing it to saturate every aspect of our being. As we do, we will find strength beyond our natural abilities and wisdom surpassing our understanding.

Yet, how do we practically lay hold of this anointing in times of opposition? First, we must maintain an unwavering focus on the Source of our anointing. David, facing numerous enemies and challenges, declared, "But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head" (Psalm 3:3, KJV). In the face of opposition, our gaze must remain fixed on the Lord, not on the size or ferocity of our adversaries.

Secondly, we must learn to view our challenges through the lens of God's purposes. Joseph, reflecting on years of opposition and hardship, was able to say to his brothers, "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good" (Genesis 50:20, KJV). This perspective allows us to move from merely enduring opposition to actually growing through it, recognizing each challenge as an opportunity for the anointing to work more deeply in and through us.

Furthermore, we must understand that the anointing often operates most powerfully in the context of our weakness. The Apostle Paul, grappling with his "thorn in the flesh," received this word from the Lord: "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9, KJV). When we feel most inadequate in the face of opposition, we are often in the perfect position for the anointing to flow unhindered by our self-reliance.

Lastly, we must remember that we do not face opposition alone. We are part of a body, the Church, and the anointing flows not just individually but corporately. When we stand together, supporting one another in times of trial, we create an environment where the collective anointing of the body can overcome even the most formidable opposition.

Beloved, whatever opposition you may be facing today, know that it does not have the final word. The anointing that rests upon you is greater than any force that can come against you, because the anointing is a Person—the Lord Jesus Christ. Let this truth sink deep into your spirit, informing your perspective and strengthening your resolve. For it is often through the crucible of opposition that God shapes us into vessels most fit for His use, channels through which His anointing can flow with ever-increasing power.

Let us pray:

Sovereign Lord, we come before You acknowledging the reality of opposition in our lives. We thank You that this opposition does not take You by surprise, nor does it overpower the anointing You have placed upon us. We confess the times we have allowed adversity to discourage us or cause us to doubt Your calling on our lives. Forgive us, Lord, and renew our faith in the power of Your anointing.

Holy Spirit, we invite You afresh into every area of our lives, especially those areas facing the greatest opposition. Let Your anointing flow freely, breaking every yoke of bondage and removing every burden that would hinder us from fulfilling Your purposes. Grant us the strength to stand firm in the face of adversity and the wisdom to discern Your hand at work even in our challenges.

Lord Jesus, we thank You for the example You set in facing opposition with unwavering trust in the Father. Help us to fix our eyes on You, the author and finisher of our faith. May we, like You, move through this world with the evident anointing of God upon our lives, undeterred by opposition and empowered to fulfill our divine calling.

We choose now to see our challenges through the lens of Your purposes. Use every trial to refine us, every opposition to strengthen us, and every difficulty to deepen our dependence on Your anointing. May our lives be a testament to Your overcoming power, for Your glory and the advancement of Your kingdom.

In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." - Romans 8:37 (KJV)

This devotional is based off a message entitle "To Be a Vessel of the Anointing" by Wade E. Taylor.