Many of us, at least once in our lives, have thought that following God’s plan and doing the Lord’s will means living an easy life—instant victories, effortless success, and no difficulties. And it is true that God will give us seasons of miraculous victories in our lives, doors that open in extraordinary ways. But it is equally true that there will also be seasons of persecution, difficult situations, and opposition, even while we are doing God’s will.

We clearly see this in an episode from the life of Paul and Barnabas, specifically in Acts 13. Paul and Barnabas, led by the Holy Spirit, had come to Antioch not for personal interest, not to gain anything for themselves, but doing the will of God and proclaiming the salvation that is in Jesus Christ. God opens a great door: people repent, they turn to the Lord and continue in the faith. But after this, they face opposition.

Acts 13:42–52

“Many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas…”
“when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul.”
“Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said: ‘It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it… we turn to the Gentiles.’”
“The Gentiles… were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.”
“But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region.”
“And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.”

From our perspective, this might look like a failure. After a great victory—after many people in the city turn to God—they face strong opposition. The Jews, filled with envy because the gospel was also being preached to the Gentiles, organize resistance and stir up influential people in the city, to the point that the servants of the Lord are forced to leave.

This can be difficult to understand from a human point of view. But Jesus Himself warned us that this would happen.

John 16:33

“In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Jesus warned us that we would face tribulation, opposition, and difficult moments in this world. He never promised an easy life without battles. But in the midst of the battle, God is with us. In the midst of difficulties, we are victorious in the name of Jesus.

We may even become angry at those who do us harm, while we are bringing them good news—the forgiveness of sins through the death and resurrection of Christ and reconciliation with God—yet they repay evil for good. But we must remember that earthly struggles are part of a deeper spiritual reality.

Ephesians 6:12 

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

The truth is that when we choose to do the will of God, we come into conflict with spiritual forces of evil. The enemy will attack and resist us. You may feel afraid and think: “What can I do against demons? How can I stand? I am weak, vulnerable… how can I not be destroyed?”

But the same Paul who faced these realities gives us the answer:

Colossians 2:15

“Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.”

Jesus Christ has already won the war. Not only did He win—He triumphed. It was a decisive, overwhelming victory.

Think of scenes in movies where an army returns victorious, bringing captured enemies in procession. That is the image. However, this does not mean that all battles are over for us. Like in a war, the victory is already secured, the enemy is defeated, but there are still ongoing skirmishes in certain areas.

That is what we are living in today. Christ has already triumphed, but until His return, the struggle continues in daily life.

For this reason, you must not be discouraged when you face opposition while doing God’s will. This does not mean you are outside of His will. Paul and Barnabas experienced seasons of peace and fruitfulness, but also intense persecution, even while being led by the Spirit. Yet they did not give up. They continued walking with God, fighting the good fight, and spreading the gospel.

God will grant you miraculous victories in your life, open doors that seemed impossible, but He will also allow battles and persecutions. The Lord will be with you even in the midst of difficulties.

Do not be discouraged—because Christ has already overcome the world.