“If you’re not experiencing any opposition, you’re probably not doing much.”

rock climbingI don’t know where I first heard this but it certainly seems true in my life.  When I know I’m moving forward in the Lord’s will for my life, the insurmountable mountains of opposition seem to grow taller.  It’s as if the demons of hell were dispatched to stop the progress I was called to make in my Savior.

You ever been there?

As a follower of Jesus Christ, you will be from time to time and the pressure is great and the temptation to turn away is equally great.  In those moments, we can turn to the soothing balm of Scripture like Psalm 86:1-7:

Hear me, Lord, and answer me,
for I am poor and needy.
Guard my life, for I am faithful to you;
save your servant who trusts in you.
You are my God; have mercy on me, Lord,
for I call to you all day long.
Bring joy to your servant, Lord,
for I put my trust in you.
You, Lord, are forgiving and good,
abounding in love to all who call to you.
Hear my prayer, Lord;
listen to my cry for mercy.
When I am in distress, I call to you,
because you answer me.

 This is a request for the Lord’s mercy to soak the parched soul of David.  While that’s certainly not a new theme in Scripture, there’s something here I really (really!) don’t want you to miss.  It’s in the nature of David’s request.  His “big ask” for God’s mercy is not because of David’s character, but because of God’s character.

It is the Lord who has mercy on His people.  The Lord is “forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.” 

David is not just asking for the Lord to be good to him because he’s a “nice guy.”  David knows just the opposite.  The Lord, however, is the One to Whom he calls for mercy and restoration.

And that offer still stands.

When we face the immovable mountain of opposition against us, we can pray this same prayer.

When we know we’re moving forward in His will, we can call on His merciful attributes to hold us steadfast.

When we grow doubtful, we can grow strong knowing He goes before us and blazes the trail.

For this same love in mercy saved us and has “made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved” (Ephesians 2:4-5).

With Him, the mountain will be cleared as we walk through the challenges of living boldly for Him.

And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

“Oceans (Where My Feet May Fail)”
Joel Houston | Matt Crocker | Salomon Ligthelm
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