Churches and Christians are supposed to be light in a dark world. We should like a beacon of light from a lighthouse, so that people can safely come into the harbor of Jesus' love.

But, although the "good" can see the light shining, the "evil" can also see it shining.

Matthew 5
45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

So, as we go about our spiritual walk, we shouldn't go looking for trouble, because it will find its way to us.

There were plots against Jesus as He taught.

Matthew 10
24 "A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.

Jesus didn't say we wouldn't face struggles and battles with the enemy, but He did say we wouldn't be alone.

Matthew 10
17 "Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues.
18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.
19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say,
20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

The powers of darkness will come and try to keep us from spreading the Word, to keep us silent, and make us ineffective. How many people from our past, would be suprised at the difference God has made in our lives? How much difference could that make in their lives?

John 12
10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well,
11 for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in him.

Would the powers of hell want to do something similar? Should we be afraid of them?

Matthew 10
28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.
30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
31 So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
32 "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven.
33 But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.

So, remember, when you face adversity, the enemy is trying to discourage you like they tried with those who went on before us. And, when the falling in around us, God is always at our side.