“No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us” ( Romans 8:37).

Wherever there is the work of the Lord the enemy is not pleased. In fact one way to determine if God is involved in any work is it to gauge the level of attack from the enemy. While it should not be the desire for any believer to court trouble, the fact is the existence of such is one proof of being on right course.

Because he knows its power and effects the enemy will always try to frustrate God’s work through all kinds of schemes. Sometimes it is direct opposition, such as was common in the ministry of Paul. “Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked…I have been in danger … from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers ( I Cor 11: 24-27). At other times the enemy will physically attack one’s health as happened to Job. “Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “Skin for skin! All that a man has he will give for his life” ( Job 2:4).

A church might be growing in numbers of those who have given their lives to Christ only for it to be torn apart with dissensions. A good Christian business person may be progressing and using his profits to support God’s work only for tax authorities to impose false claims. A Godly leader might be building up a team to serve effectively only for his job to be threatened through false accusations.

One thing we need know when faced with troubles it is not only a sign we are on course, but the fact is God is on our side and far greater than all the forces against us. We should be comforted by his rich word: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” ( John 16:33).

Prayer today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, as long as we are doing your work the enemy will bring trouble but what a comfort to know that with you we have already overcome and may we have peace and assurance in that knowledge, this I pray in Jesus’s name.