Spiritual Contentions: Pressing Through Opposition

Spiritual Contentions: Pressing Through Opposition


Author: Ayodeji Oludapo

Date: February 25, 2025


Scripture: "20 But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, “The water is ours.” So he called the name of the well Esek, because they quarreled with him. 21 Then they dug another well, and they quarreled over that one also. So he called its name Sitnah. 22 And he moved from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it. So he called its name Rehoboth, because he said, “For now the Lord has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.” – Genesis 26:20-22 (NKJV)

Devotional Thoughts

Spiritual contentions are inevitable. Anytime you move forward in the plans of God, opposition will arise. Isaac experienced this firsthand when he re-dug the wells of his father, Abraham. The Philistines had stopped them up out of envy, and when Isaac restored them, the people of the land contended with him.

The first well he dug was named Esek, meaning “quarrel,” because the people fought over it. The second well, Sitnah, means “enmity” or “hostility,” showing the deep opposition he faced. But instead of giving up, Isaac moved forward and dug another well. This time, no one contended with him, and he named it Rehoboth, meaning “room” or “spaciousness.” He recognized that God had finally made a place for him where he could thrive.

Like Isaac, we often face contention when stepping into God’s blessings. Maybe you’re experiencing opposition at work, in ministry, or even within relationships. Every time you try to progress, it seems like obstacles rise up. This is not a sign to quit; it’s a sign to persevere. If Isaac had stopped digging after the first or second well, he would have missed Rehoboth—the place where God made room for him.


Practical Reflection


Closing Thoughts

You will surely meet with contention in your spiritual journey. But don’t be discouraged when opposition arises—see it as confirmation that you are moving in the right direction. Like Isaac, keep digging, keep pressing, and trust that God will lead you to your Rehoboth, a place of peace, expansion, and blessing.


Prayer

Father, I thank You for Your faithfulness in times of opposition. Give me the strength to endure spiritual contentions and the wisdom to keep moving forward. Help me not to be discouraged but to trust that You are leading me to a place of blessing. Just as You made room for Isaac, I believe You will make room for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.