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Sermon Illustrations: Opposition

In the same sense that a secret agent sends out a signal that merits serious attention by the opposition, so the Christian walking in obedience to the Spirit of God, abiding in prayer, and committed to the kingdom stirs enemy opposition. The stakes are higher for the veteran who can do the most damage to the domain of darkness. My premise should be clear by now: any servant of Jesus Christ who poses a serious threat to the powers of hell will be targeted and will encounter resistance, especially at times of strategic ministry.¹

You can measure a man by the opposition it takes to discourage him. Robert C. Savage

North-eastern cod is popular in the United States, especially in areas farthest from the northeast. But public demand posed a problem to the shippers. At first the cod were frozen, then shipped, but that reduced much of the flavour. So they experimented with shipping them alive in tanks of seawater, but that was even worse. It was dearer, the cod still lost its flavour, and became soft and mushy. Finally, the problem was solved. The codfish were placed in the tank along with their natural enemy - catfish. From the time the cod left the East Coast till it reached its destination, those catfish chased the cod all over the tank. When the cod arrived at the market, they were as fresh as when they were caught. There was no loss of flavour nor was the texture affected. If anything, it was better. Each of us is in a tank of particular circumstances. It can be painful enough to stay in the tank. But besides our situation, there are God-appointed "catfish" to bring sufficient tension that keeps us alive, alert, fresh and growing. It's all part of God's plan to shape our character so we will be more Jesus. That's why the catfish are in your tank. They are part of God's method of producing character in your life and mine. [Adapted from Charles Swindoll - Bible Illustrator programme.]

1 Thomas B. White (The Believer's Guide to Spiritual Warfare) as quoted in C. Peter Wagner Territorial Spirits p65-66