Chapel Recap: Press On Through Opposition

In today’s chapel, Dr. Aaron Filippone from Indian Rocks Church taught from Nehemiah 4, calling us to persevere in the face of opposition.

Nehemiah and the people faced immediate resistance from their enemies, yet Scripture says, “the people had a mind to work.” Their determination was not rooted in ease or approval, but in conviction.

Filippone posed a reflective question: “What comes to mind when you think of opposition in your life?” Whether it’s fear, discouragement, criticism, or spiritual attack, opposition is inevitable when pursuing God’s calling. But, he emphasized, “The only way the enemy wins is if you stop working.”

Drawing from Nehemiah’s example of leadership, Filippone offered three biblical prescriptions for handling opposition. First, do not be afraid. Fear paralyzes progress, but courage grows when we trust the Lord. Second, remember the Lord. Nehemiah called the people to fix their eyes on God’s greatness rather than their enemies’ threats. Third, fight for your future. The builders worked with tools in one hand and weapons in the other — prepared, watchful, and committed.

“God has a calling on your life — be bold!” Filippone urged. The Christian life requires perseverance and faith-filled action. “You might feel like you’re hitting a wall,” he said, “but the only way past it is to run through it.”

Filippone closed with a compelling reminder: “There is a broken world begging for you to not come off of that wall.” The mission matters. The calling matters. And the opposition should not deter God’s people from finishing the work He has placed before them.