Good works go hand-in-hand with Christian service (Titus 3:8), but they draw a lot of negative attention from our adversary, so we really shouldn't be surprised at the trials that come along them, for there will be many. Paul addresses the reality of this relationship in Romans 7, declaring that such circumstances should actually be expected, saying;
“I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.” -Romans 7:21.
If our enemy crucified the Lord of Glory, how could we not anticipate attacks upon ourselves when seeking to honor Him?
God may indeed allow such trials to increase our dependence on Him, or to validate the truths in His Word; but evil resistance to good works can come at any point before, during, or after the intended service; derived either directly from our adversary, or the carnal nature within us.
“11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” -Ephesians 6:11,12.
“16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.” -Romans 7:16,17.
If resistance to the work comes beforehand, the enemy is seeking to prevent it from happening; he may divert attention to another priority, or get us to reconsider it for one reason or other. Preventing the good work altogether robs us of blessings we need to build FAITH.
Next, the devil may try to derail these efforts after they've started by tempting us to twist the good benefits sought into something selfish, or self-promoting (Philippians 2:3), instead of not focusing on the welfare of others, and God's glory. We need to be set in knowing the effort is God's will for us, otherwise the enemy's resistance might be mistaken for God thumbing it down.
“Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.” -Ephesians 5:17.
But finally, the enemy may even bring an attack on the work even afterward; which is no doubt meant to discourage us from any further good works; our enemy is also called the accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:10), and may try to convince us that we're being punished for doing something wrong, or because we have some hidden, selfish motives.
So don't let the devil discourage you from good through his lying accusations (John 8:44), for beloved Godly men such as Daniel also endured the same; suffering even unto sickness (Daniel 8:27), in God's service; scripture reminds us of this, and of the need to endure by saying,
“12 Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand...thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words...13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me...” -from Daniel 12:12,13.
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” -Galatians 6:9
Also check out my short YouTube video on this subject titled With Plans to do Good.
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