If you haven't seen my video or listened to my podcast on 'Discover Your Calling,' I encourage you to do that first before continuing with the rest of this material.
Read: Acts 3 and Acts 4:1-31
When we say yes to Jesus and step into the unique calling He has for us, we will inevitably experience opposition, intimidation, and discouragement along the way. But how should we respond? The story of Peter and John in Acts 3-4 offers powerful insights into handling these challenges with faith and perseverance.
1) Prioritise Time with Jesus
“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realised that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished, and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” – Acts 4:13
This isn’t just about responding to opposition—it’s the key to stepping into all God has for us. There are no shortcuts in our calling, and no quick fixes when it comes to bearing fruit. The way Peter and John carried themselves pointed to Jesus. There was no other logical explanation apart from the fact that they had been with Him!
If we want to walk in our calling, our top priority must be spending time with Jesus. When intimacy with Him remains the utmost desire of our hearts, everything else will flow from that place. As people see the fruit in our lives, their only conclusion will be: ‘There must be a God!’
Wouldn’t you love for people to look at your life and come to that conclusion?
2) Go to Your Friends and Family
“On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them.” – Acts 4:23
The moment Peter and John were released, they immediately went to their friends. They didn’t sugarcoat the situation, minimise it, or ignore it. They were honest about what had happened and involved their friends in the battle.
When we face opposition, intimidation, and discouragement, we must let those closest to us know what’s going on and invite them into the process. We must resist the urge to face struggles alone.
The enemy prowls like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). His easiest targets are those who are isolated. When discouragement comes, we need to be honest with those who can surround us, pray with us, and help us stand firm.
Please don’t isolate yourself! Who can you reach out to today?
3) Look Up
“When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God.” – Acts 4:24
The disciples’ immediate response to opposition was to look up—to fix their eyes on Jesus.
They reminded themselves of how big God is and of His sovereignty.
They reminded themselves of what God had said.
When we face opposition, intimidation, or discouragement, we must intentionally lift our eyes and remember:
Who God is – His goodness, His presence, His power, and His sovereignty.
What God has said – His promises over your life and the truth in His Word.
Are there prophetic promises or truths about God that you need to remind yourself of today? Is your focus on the opposition or on the One who holds all things together?
4) Go Again!
“Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” – Acts 4:29-30
I love that the disciples’ prayer wasn’t for the opposition to stop, but for more boldness! ‘We want to keep speaking about You with boldness and seeing powerful signs and wonders.’ Wow—what focus!
The enemy opposes us because he wants us to back off, retreat, and hide. But our response should be the opposite: keep going. Stay focused, trust in God’s ability to fulfil His promises, and take the next step of obedience.
If you pay attention to where and how the enemy opposes you, you’ll often find clues about the specific influence God has called you to have.
Have you backed off from some of the prophetic promises over your life because of discouragement? If so, tell your friends, look up, pick the promise back up, and go again.
Final Encouragement
Each of us has a significant and unique race to run. And we have a Heavenly Father training us and cheering us on—a Father who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).
Dream big. Stand firm in the midst of opposition. Follow Peter and John’s example. And above all else, prioritise intimacy with Jesus—because it’s all about Him, through Him, and for Him.
A Final Thought on Lament
One thing we don’t see in this passage—but is equally important—is the role of lament. The Psalms remind us that being honest with God about pain and disappointment is crucial for staying spiritually healthy in the long run. If you want to explore this further, you can check out a preach I did at the King’s Arms HERE.
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Wendy Mann Equip | www.wendymannequip.com
Building Family, Prioritising God's Presence, Extending God’s Kingdom
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