“When these things begin to happen, watch out! You will be handed over to the local councils and beaten in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me.” (Mark‬ ‭13:9‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

We don’t really appreciate opposition. We find it frustrating, annoying; and uncomfortable. We run into resistance and wonder if maybe we heard God wrong and we don’t actually belong here at all. We search the room for a way out.

Jesus is telling us that opposition is thinly disguised opportunity. Opportunity for what?

“For the Good News must first be preached to all nations. But when you are arrested and stand trial, don’t worry in advance about what to say. Just say what God tells you at that time, for it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit.” (Mark‬ ‭13:10-11 NLT)

Gospel expansion. Personal growth. Holy Spirit empowerment. All good things in the Kingdom.

Crazy. This whole past year of my life has been plum-full of opportunity camouflaged as opposition. Today I’m pulling back the curtain and calling it what it it’s worth; Kingdom Expansion. First in me, and then in the world around me. I’m encouraged and quipped. How about you?

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” (James‬ ‭1:2-4‬ NLT)

Lord, thank You for helping us see the truth about opposition today. Help us keep this in mind as we stretch and grow and persevere on behalf of Your Kingdom. Please continue to equip us with Your Spirit. Amen.