Opposition In All Things

"For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so... righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad." (2 Nephi 2:11)

Opposition is a necessary part of our Heavenly Father's plan. Whenever there is something good there must also be something bad. Satan uses this opposition to try to weaken us and overcome us. He wants us to be miserable just like he is. I love the scripture in 2 Nephi chapter 2 verse 27. It reads, "Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself." We are free to choose, and we receive according to our choose, however, it is a law in heaven that there is opposition. (see 2 Nephi 2:11) And even when we choose what is right, Satan still seeks to bring us down and make us miserable. This is when our agency comes into play again. We need to not choose to follow his plan, "And not choose eternal death, according to the will of the flesh and the evil which is therein, which giveth the spirit of the devil power to captivate, to bring [us] down to hell, that he may reign over [us] in his own kingdom." (2 Nephi 2:29)

This opposition of which I speak, I felt so strongly yesterday. As you might have read on my previous post, I had an amazing experience on Monday night. I felt the spirit so strongly there and wanted to improve and work harder. Satan also knew what happened in that home that night and wants desperately to stop it from having lasting positive effects. Yesterday morning was great and the spirit was still lingering strongly from the night before. Then as the day progressed, Satan fiercely attacked me and my companions. We had some tell us to slow down and lay off of them. Then later got in at least two arguments over simple things, and let them escalate to roaring flames of contention and hatred. As these things happened we felt the spirit leave us for "he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another." (3 Nephi 11:29) We realized that Satan was working on us, and that he was doing a great job, because we were allowing him to enter our lives and we did as he wanted us to. We were able to make amends and are trying hard to continue to remain on the path God has for us.

Whenever there is good there will be evil. Satan knows us and seeks to destroy us everyday. Just as he tried with Joseph Smith as he prayed to God to ask which of the churches was right. Satan knew that if Joseph prayed the heavens would open and the world would be changed for the better forever. Satan tried his darnedest to stop Joseph, but with his faith and desire to serve God, he prevailed. (see Joseph Smith History 1:15-17) We too can prevail over opposition as we put on the whole armor of God, "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints." (Ephesians 6:13-18)

I testify with all the fiber of my being that God loves us, each and everyone! He wants the best for us and He will help us overcome the opposition that will undoubtedly come in life!


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